Travel icon - George the Dragonslayer - Bronze, Enamel

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Bronze icon 'San Giorgio e il Drago'
Russian production, late 19th century to early 20th century

Incredible example of a Russian travel (or pocket) icon in cast bronze, enriched with refined inlays of blue and white enamel. The piece depicts the famous 'Miracle of Saint George and the Dragon,' a central iconography in Russian Orthodox tradition, symbolizing the triumph of faith over evil.

Saint George the Victorious on horseback, piercing the dragon with the lance. In the background on the right, Princess Elisaba and the city walls with the sovereigns looking out. At the top left, the hand of God (or an angel, as in this case) emerges from the clouds to crown the saint.
Material: Gold-plated/patinated bronze with two-color enameling (champlevé).

Metal icons (mednolit) became extremely popular in Russia starting from the 17th century, especially among the Old Believers, as metal was considered purer and more durable than wood for private devotions during long journeys.
This specific specimen is distinguished by:
The ornamental border: The frame is decorated with an elaborate embossed baroque floral motif, typical of high-quality workshops in Moscow or metallurgical centers in the Urals.
The inscription: at the top, the phrase in Old Church Slavonic is clearly legible: 'Chudo Svyatogo Georgiya o Zmiye' (The Miracle of Saint George and the Dragon).
Fusion quality: The details of Saint George's cloak and the dragon's scales show millimeter precision, indicating a well-preserved fusion matrix and an experienced craftsman.

Blue enamel icons, known as 'celeste,' are particularly sought after compared to monochromatic or bronze-only ones, because the color was achieved with expensive metallic oxides and required an additional firing. The contrast between dark bronze and white/blue creates a spiritual depth effect that makes the piece not only a religious object but also a piece of applied art jewelry.

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