Russian Culture Abroad: A digital copy of the oldest Russian icon showcased in Paris

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris – the most famous Orthodox church in the French capital, showcases the "Apostles Peter and Paul" icon. This is a high-quality digital copy of the XI century masterpiece from the Novgorod Museum-Reserve collection. This exhibition was preceded by the "Silent Sermon. Novgorod icon of the XIII – XVI centuries" mobile exhibition, showcased in France in 2017.

"Silent Sermon. Novgorod icon of the XIII – XVI centuries" mobile exhibition features the world-famous icons from the museum’s collection, which originals are rarely showcased, but available in digital form. Within two years (2017–2018), the exhibition was presented not only in Russia but also in Estonia, Slovakia, France.

The "Apostles Peter and Paul" icon from the Novgorod Museum-Reserve collection is the oldest Russian icon. This two-meter long icon was painted in the middle of the XI century. It decorated the Cathedral of St. Sophia - the main Novgorod temple. Now the icon is showcased in the "Russian Icon of the XI–XIX Centuries" section of the museum’s exposition.