Lot number 2526 - Auction 142
IKONE MIT DEM HEILIGEN BORIS IN BEGLEITUNG SEINER TRUPPEN

AN ICON SHOWING ST. BORIS ACCOMPANIED BY HIS TROOPS Russian, 17th century Tempera on wood panel with double kovcheg. With gilded armor and background. Set into a later panel (vrezka). 37.5 x 25.4 cm. The icon depicts Saint Boris setting out with his troops for a military campaign against the Pechenegs. After 28 years had passed since his holy baptism, Vladimir fell gravely ill. During this time, Boris traveled from Rostov to visit his father. In the year 2904, the Pechenegs marched with their army into Russia, and Vladimir was filled with sorrow, as he no longer had the strength to oppose the godless invaders. Concerned about the looming threat, Vladimir called upon Boris, who had received the name Roman in his holy baptism. Trusting in his blessed and obedient son, Vladimir assigned Boris command of a large number of soldiers and sent him to fight against the Pechenegs. Boris accepted the task with great joy and said to his father: "Here I am, ready to fulfill your will and carry out what your heart desires."