Constantinople became the source and model of Russian icons, as well for books and other liturgical arts. Greek icons and painters traveled to Russia where they were especially esteemed. Many aspects of the composition and the style of icons descend from Byzantine tradition. Icons are usually paintings, originally in encaustic, tempera, or even fine mosaic cubes, on specially prepared wood panels. Their subjects are often portraits of Christ, his Mother, or saints, but they may be narratives, or even depictions of liturgical hymns.
Compositions are conservative and the saints are clearly formulated types.
At the same time, icon painting almost never produces strict duplicates. In the church, portable icons are carried in procession, like the Cross or Gospel Book, during the liturgy and at festivals. Others are set up special stands for veneration during their festival season, day or month. Still others are fixed to the piers or walls, and to the chancel barrier. The Russian church elaborated a monumental icon screen, the iconostas, from this originally simple low fence or colonnade between the nave and the sanctuary of the church.