Virgin of the Burning Bush (Palekh) 1850

This icon of the Virgin of the Burning Bush was made by Orthodox icon painters in Palekh, Russia, a town noted as an icon-painting center since the 17th century. It presents the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus within a complex geometric star, evoking the biblical story of Moses and the burning bush. The Palekh style, which developed especially after the Russian Revolution, combines religious iconography with elements of folk art. After the revolution, Palekh artists had to adapt to the new political climate, shifting from religious to secular themes. The image creates meaning through its stylized figures, symbolic colors, and intricate patterns, reflecting the cultural and religious traditions of Russia. The work’s blend of religious symbolism and folk artistry speaks to the dynamic interplay between tradition and social change in post-Revolutionary Russia. Careful historical research into the religious and political history of Russia during this period can reveal the meanings embedded within the artwork’s symbolism and style.