Leonid Mikhailovich Brailovsky, 1867-1937

Before turning to the set designs for which he is most famous, Brailovsky spent his early career studying Byzantine architecture in Egypt and, from 1900, copying frescoes and church art. In 1925 he settled in Rome and began work on the series Videniya staroi Rossii or Visions of Old Russia, of which Boris and Gleb is likely to be a component panel. The painting brings together the diverse influences on Brailovsky’s art, fusing the boldness of set design with the spiritual undertones of religious imagery and creating, essentially, what can be described as a modernist icon.

Boris and Gleb were the younger sons of Grand Prince Vladimir, ruler of Kievan Rus’. Jealous of Boris’ popularity and keen to secure the throne, their elder brother Svyatopolk declared himself ruler on the death of their father. In order to secure his position, he subsequently had Boris and Gleb assasinated.