The Significance of Russian Icons for the World’s Culture

Millions of people all over the world love Russian icons for their eternal beauty and spiritual meaning. Moreover, not only Russian people but also foreigners replenish their collections with Orthodox icons. Cherished by well-known museums, these holy relics have long been pleasing the eyes of the believers from every corner of the world. Let’s take a look at two famous museums that serve as “homes” to many important Russian icons and find out why they are so significant.

The American “shelter” for Russian icons

Located in Clinton, Massachusetts, the Museum of Russian Icons has greatly enriched American cultural life. The Museum’s collection encompasses more than 1,000 icons dated back to the 15th century until now, which makes it one of the biggest private collections of Russian icons beyond Russia. It is next to impossible to pass by this museum, and every single day people enter it and marvel at the assortment of holy relics.

The Russian heritage in the Louvre Museum

You would be surprised to know that there are Russian icons even in the world-famous Louvre Museum, including rare pieces dated back to the 16th century. The oldest relic is “The Crucifixion” whose painter managed to convey deep emotions, such as tragedy and sorrow. For almost 30 years, this icon was kept by the Norwegian salesman before he sold it to the Louvre Museum. Another 16th-century icon from the Museum’s collection is the icon of St. Simon Stylites, which was a gift from the merchant Lev Grinberg. One more highlight is the icon of the Virgin of Tenderness, which was once kept at the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.

Russian icons take an essential part in the establishment of the world’s culture. It is no wonder that they are treated as a historical and cultural miracle all around the globe.