Wladimir Polissadiw (1883-1940) Saint Benedict reading the Scriptures; Annunciation scene; Flight into Egypt Three small icons, polychrome paint, gold leaf (small accidents). 8x6cm, 8.7x6.5cm, 8x6.2cm Early 20th century. These three miniature icons in eglomised glass are typical of popular Russian religious production for travelers or pious families. In a naive yet expressive style, they depict major figures from the Orthodox Christian pantheon. These objects belonged to Emma Calvé, who may have brought them back from her stay in Russia, mentioned in her memoirs. Testifying to a personal faith as much as to a taste for religious art, this small ensemble evokes the mystical and introspective side of the singer, particularly at the end of her career. Wladimir Polissadiw is a French-Ukrainian artist active in Paris and Switzerland, at the crossroads of avant-garde, mysticism and sacred art. Founder of the La Rosace and La Misère Noire movements, Polissadiw played a singular role in the revival of Christian art in Europe in the early 20th century.