Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. early 19th century CE. A classic example of an Orthodox icon, painted with egg tempera with added gilding on wood, depicting St. Michael the Archangel. As with all icons, this one is packed with religious symbolism and iconography. Michael stands in the center, haloed and draped in a red cloak, with detailed battle armor that includes a cross on its breastplate. His right hand is raised in blessing while his left holds a white flag. Behind him is a well-rendered scene of nature with two prominent peaks in the background and a foreground of small foliage. Above his head, set into the umber-colored border, is an image of Christ looking down upon the scene. The back side of the icon is unpainted and there are two grooves for the back slats, although the slats themselves are not present. Size: 10.75" W x 12" H (27.3 cm x 30.5 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. The figures' gestures and motion are characteristically dramatic. 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.

This icon most likely was kept in someone's home. According to Jeanne Marie Warzeski, scholar and curator of the North Carolina Museum of History's "Windows into Heaven" exhibition, "In the early Byzantine Empire, the home became the primary base for the development of icon veneration. Throughout the ensuing centuries, icons continued to receive honor in homes and churches. To this day, many Orthodox Christians create for prayer and meditation in their home a krasny ugol, or "beautiful corner," where family icons are placed. Guests entering a house customarily honor the icons in the corner by crossing themselves before the objects. An oil lamp is set near the icons and is lit daily, according to Orthodox tradition."

Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#119419

Fine craquelure on surface, especially around border. Small areas of paint loss, especially around the edges, with surface wear commensurate with age.