Small travel icon depicting the martyrdom of Cyricus and Julitta, 19th century

Bronze casting

Height × Width: 6 × 5.5 cm Weight: 76.8 g.

One of the most raw and moving episodes in Christian tradition, it took place around 304 A.D. during the persecutions of Diocletian. In the lower right, larger than the other figures, stands Saint Julitta, holding a two-barred cross, a symbol of her supreme sacrifice and spiritual victory over death. Beside her is her son, Cyricus, who, despite his young age, is depicted with the dignity of an adult to emphasize that his holiness knows no age. On the left, two bishops act as solemn witnesses, framing the martyrdom within the official history of the Church. In the background, three veiled figures represent the Christian virtues watching over the sacrifice of mother and son, transforming a moment of pain into an eternal icon of hope and protection for all families. This icon belongs to the group of Russian Old Believer icons, produced in series from the 17th century and characterized by strict adherence to the canons of the Byzantine tradition. These artifacts, often made of bronze and sometimes enriched with colored enamels, were generally small in size and intended for private devotion. Their portability allowed them to be easily carried and, if necessary, hidden, thus meeting the religious needs of a community that, after the schism known as the Raskol, underwent periods of persecution by the official Russian Orthodox Church.