The artwork, titled “Ss. Sergius and Bacchus,” is attributed to the artist known as “Orthodox Icons.” Created around the year 650, this piece employs the medium of encaustic on wood. It belongs to the Early Byzantine art movement, which flourished from approximately 330 to 750. Categorized under the genre of icon, the piece is part of a series depicting saints. The artwork is currently housed in the Museum of Western and Oriental Art, also known as the Khanenko Museum, located in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The artwork features two central figures, identified as Saints Sergius and Bacchus, who are depicted with prominent halos around their heads, signifying their sanctity. The figures are portrayed with youthful faces bearing soft expressions, and they are adorned in traditional ecclesiastical garments. Between and slightly above them, there is an image of Christ, further enhancing the religious significance of the piece. The background is a muted mix of darker shades, which contrasts with the golden halos and the lighter colors of the saints’ attire, emphasizing their sacred nature. This icon is significant not only as a religious artifact but also as an exemplar of the artistry and theological perspectives of the Byzantine era.
