Art Funded by you

Icon depicting Abel as the forerunner of all the Christian martyrs

Unknown artist, 1700–1725

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Blackburn

The subject of the icon is unusual. Abel is dressed in a long robe of shaggy animal fur, and is identified by the inscription in Cyrillic script. Stylistically it belongs to a tradition of icon painting dating back to the earliest examples. However, by this relatively late date an attempt had already been made to introduce a more sophisticated style of icon.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Icon depicting Abel as the forerunner of all the Christian martyrs, 1700–1725

Date supported

1989

Medium and material

Tempera & gold leaf on wooden panel

Dimensions

107 x 41 cm

Grant

304

Total cost

1217

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Get a National Art Pass and explore Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

Get a national art pass

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?

Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?

What is Art Fund's purpose?

How is Art Fund funded?

What type of funding do you offer?

What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?

How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?

I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?

I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?

I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?

I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.

Get in touch