The artwork, titled “Alexander Nevsky, Constantine the Great and Mary Magdalene,” was created by the artist Orthodox Icons during the period c.1861 to c.1881. This piece, classified under the genre of icon and part of the series “Saints,” exemplifies the tradition of Eastern Orthodox devotional imagery.
The artwork features three prominently depicted saints against a gold background, a common characteristic of Orthodox iconography to denote holiness and divine light. To the left, Constantine the Great is portrayed wearing an ornate crown and richly decorated robes, symbolizing his status as an emperor and a saint. Alexander Nevsky stands in the center, clad in medieval armor and a fur-trimmed cloak, holding a sword which signifies his role as a military leader and defender of the faith. On the right, Mary Magdalene is depicted in a red and green robe, holding a vessel, which is traditionally associated with her role as a witness to Christ’s resurrection. Each figure is surrounded by a halo, indicating their sainthood. The icon is framed with an intricate border, accentuating its sacred purpose.
