Icon - Anastasis - Wood, Brass

Antique Russian Traveling Tryptych Icon in Openwork Metal Case – Late 18th / 19th Century.

Portable 3-panel traveling altar (Skladen). Late 18th to early 19th century (Imperial Russia). 14 x 7 cm (Open).

Medium: Miniature tempera painting on wood panels, housed in a finely chased openwork bronze or brass protective mount.

The central panel depicts the Resurrection. Side panels show two complementary biblical scenes.

The Double-Headed Eagle: The back features the official coat of arms of the Russian Empire. This Byzantine symbol represents the Tsar’s rule extending over both East and West. It embodies the "symphony of powers"—the absolute unity between the political authority of the Emperor and the spiritual authority of the Orthodox Church.

The Heart Surmounted by a Cross: Positioned prominently at the top, this motif links Christian faith with universal divine love. It symbolizes Christ's sacrifice (the Cross) driven by compassion for humanity (the Heart). Placed above the imperial eagle, it signifies that the Russian Empire stands under the protection of Divine Grace.

While many traveling icons of this era were mass-produced entirely from cast metal, this specific Skladen features hand-painted tempera panels inside its openwork casing. This combination makes it a more specialized item than standard brass icons. It likely belonged to a middle-class traveler, merchant, or local official in Imperial Russia. It served as a personal, private altar during journeys, reflecting both the owner's religious devotion and respect for the Crown.