“St. Barbara and St. Catherine” is a c.1740 icon painting created by the artist collective known as Orthodox Icons. This artwork is part of the “Saints” series and is currently housed at the National Art Museum of Ukraine (NAMU) in Kyiv, Ukraine. The painting exemplifies the genre of religious iconography.
The artwork depicts St. Barbara and St. Catherine, both adorned with traditional liturgical garments and surrounded by a gold background, signifying their sanctity. St. Barbara is shown holding a chalice and palm branch, symbols of her martyrdom and faith. St. Catherine, on the other hand, is depicted with a spiked wheel, representing her martyrdom, and a sword, symbolizing her steadfast faith and courage. The intricate detailing of their robes and the use of vibrant colors highlight the craftsmanship and religious devotion inherent in Orthodox iconography.