Russian icons are typically paintings on wood, often small, though some in churches and monasteries may be as large

as a table top. Many religious homes in Russia have icons hanging on the wall in the krasny ugol, the "red" or "beautiful" corner.

There is a rich history and elaborate religious symbolism associated with icons. Icon paintings in Russia attempted to help people with their prayers without idolizing the figure in the painting. The most comprehensive collection of Icon art is found at the Tretyakov Gallery.

The use and making of icons entered Kievan Rus' following its conversion to Orthodox Christianity from the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire in 988 AD. As a general rule, these icons strictly followed models and formulas hallowed by usage, some of which had originated in Constantinople.

As time passed, the Russians notably Andrei Rublev and Dionisius widened the vocabulary of iconic types and styles far beyond anything found elsewhere.

Theotokos of Vladimir, 12th century

Our Lady of St. Theodore, 1703