Tradition In Transition: Russian Icons

Russian icons have long been admired and collected as works of art. But first and foremost, icons were—and are—sacred objects meant to play a central role in religious life. This exhibition brings together 43 icons and oklads (decorative covers) ranging from humble paintings on wood to luxurious works embellished with gold, silver, pearls and precious jewels.

The earliest date from the 1600s, just before Peter the Great opened Russia to Western influences after 700 years of virtual isolation. The latest are from the rule of the last tsar, Nicholas II, executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. On tour for the first time, the works are from three private collections, including that of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post.

These include an exhibition opening party (October 4), lecture by curator Wendy Salmond (October 5), inservice for educators (October 7), all-day symposium (November 15), family day (November 16) and Palette to Palate event (December 4/5).

In Rochester only, the exhibition is accompanied by Subverting the Sacred: The Face of Lenin. Organized by the Memorial Art Gallery, this companion show brings together paintings, posters and artifacts that demonstrate how the image of Lenin was used in Russia after 1917 to displace religious icons in both public and private settings. The works are from the collection of David Rittenhouse, a UR graduate and former member of the US Foreign Service.

The picture shows Christ Enthroned from Portable Iconostasis (ca. 1700), Collection of Hillwood Museum & Gardens. Gift of Mrs. Charles E. Dickerson Jr. in memory of Ambassador Augusto Rosso. -- www.mag.rochester.edu