Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th century CE. Finely rendered in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on linen on wood, an icon depicting Saint Michael the Archangel standing and/or floating upon billowing clouds, his grand wings no doubt helpful in this regard, donning a white and sky blue robe with a red cloak fastened via a bejeweled brooch, his left hand over his chest, his right hand holding a monumental wooden cross. Surrounding his delicate visage is a golden halo. This composition is framed by an arched border of sky blue, pink, red, and green faux enamel and gold leaf Russian strapwork designs. This iconography departs from the traditional depiction of Michael and his angels waging war on a figure (devil, satan, or dragon) symbolizing the Christian conflict of Christ vs. the Antichrist. Instead, we see the softer side of Michael! Size: 10.25" L x 8.5" W (26 cm x 21.6 cm)

As Chief Commander of the Heavenly hosts, Saint Michael bravely challenged the Devil. Satan, after all, was Michael's opponent in the battle for Heaven. Archangels are understood to be helpers and allies who offer dedicated protection through life's trials and travails. Their names usually end in the suffix "ael" or "iel" meaning “Shining One” in Hebrew, e.g. Miguel, Rafael, Gabriel, Ariel, Ezekiel, Barachiel, Uriel, etc.

Icons were some of the first religious artworks brought to Russia from Byzantium. These sacred pictures of the Greek Orthodox church reached a high point in the Byzantine era, however, the Russians brought their own style to the art of the icon. Icons were initially created for use in churches and processions. In time they became smaller and were used increasingly within households. To this day they remain an important form of visual culture in Russia's orthodox religious community.

Provenance: private E. G. collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#125279

A surface fissure to upper right of painted image. Normal surface wear with slight losses here and there as shown. Minor losses to peripheries. Brown paint at outermost border possibly touched up. Nail holes and surface losses to verso.