A LARGE AND INTERESTING EMANCIPATION RELATED RUSSIAN ICON OF THE VENERABLE ISAAC OF DALMATIA, WONDER-WORKER, PROBABLY ST. PETERSBURG, DATED 1861. Here, Saint Isaac is shown in monastic garments, and depicted half-length holding a scroll which begins, “Do not be sad about family, my brothers, but be mindful of God...". Beneath him in an ornate cartouche is inscribed firstly the year date 1861 followed by a lengthy narrative that begins with the proclamation that “Our Sovereign Emperor Alexander II announced to us liberty..." In the upper left corner is painted the image of Christ at the Last Supper and the upper right corner is painted with an image of the Mother of God of Unexpected Joy-perhaps a reference to the “unexpected” Emancipation Manifesto which brought joy to the serfs.  It is interesting to note that Isaac of Dalmatia was adopted as a patron of the House of Romanov by Peter the Great, who was born on his main day of commemoration, May 30 (old style). A faint shoulder height inscription on the left of the icon identifies him as, “AN IMAGE OF THE VENERABLE ISAAC OF DALMATIA WONDER-WORKER”. 20.25 x 17.25 inches (51.5 x 44 cm).