Antique Russian Orthodox Nativity of Christ Icon on Wood Panel with 1940 Jerusalem AIF Provenance Inscription

A compelling antique Russian Orthodox devotional icon depicting the Nativity of Christ, hand-painted on a wooden panel and bearing an unusual wartime provenance inscription to the reverse.

The composition centres on the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, accompanied by Joseph, a shepherd and animals beneath the divine light of the Star of Bethlehem. The upper section bears the Cyrillic inscription Рождество Христово, meaning “Nativity of Christ”.

The reverse of the panel retains handwritten inscriptions naming VX251 R. F. Stuart-Burnett, AIF HQS, Jerusalem, 1940, together with the wording “A Gift from the Orthodox Patriarch”. Australian War Memorial records identify VX251 R. F. Stuart-Burnett as an Australian Army chaplain, giving the icon an unusual and historically meaningful wartime association.

Details

Item: Antique Russian Orthodox devotional icon

Subject: The Nativity of Christ

Tradition: Russian Orthodox

Maker: Unidentified

Date / Period: Likely late 19th to early 20th century

Medium: Hand-painted on wood panel

Front Inscription: Рождество Христово, meaning “Nativity of Christ”

Reverse Provenance Inscription: VX251 R. F. Stuart-Burnett, AIF HQS, Jerusalem, 1940, together with the wording “A Gift from the Orthodox Patriarch”

Dimensions: Approx. 24.5 cm × 18 cm

Condition

Good antique condition with visible age-related surface wear, patina and areas of wear to the painted finish, consistent with the icon’s age and devotional history. Please review the photographs carefully for the full condition and provenance inscription.

Historical and Collector Context

Orthodox icons were created as devotional objects rather than purely decorative works of art. Traditionally displayed in churches, chapels and private homes, they served as visual expressions of faith and as focal points for prayer.

This icon is particularly notable for its reverse inscription linking it to Jerusalem in 1940 and to VX251 R. F. Stuart-Burnett of the Australian Imperial Forces. The recorded association gives the piece an additional layer of historical interest beyond its religious and artistic character.

The wording “A Gift from the Orthodox Patriarch” is preserved as part of the handwritten provenance inscription on the reverse of the panel.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.