Eastern Europe, Russia, dated 1838 and signed Evallpivio (sp) on lower left. A finely painted icon delineated in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood, and depicting St. Michael the Archangel (his name above in red) dressed as the general of heaven's angels and protector of the Church Militant, vanquishing the devil underfoot, armed with a sword in his raised right hand and holding a set of scales in his left. This iconography preceded the traditional depiction of Michael and his angels waging war on the dragon, symbolizing the Christian conflict of Christ vs. the Antichrist. When holding scales or balances, he is also assuming the role of weigher of humankind's souls. It was also popular to depict Michael holding both a sword and scales - suggesting a victory over evil in the conflict over souls. Interestingly, in this icon, the "devil" is depicted as a Muslim, indicative of conflicts between Muslims and the Orthodox majority in Russia. Size: 8.625" W x 11.625" H (21.9 cm x 29.5 cm); 13.875" W x 17" H (35.2 cm x 43.2 cm) including glass-fronted gilded frame

Saint Michael is described in Revelation 12: 7-9 as leading his band of angels against the dragon, "That old serpent called the Devil and Satan." Hence, he is oftentimes depicted dressed in battle attire and subduing a demon-like creature or trampling him underfoot as we see here. 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 like Michael 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" - Michael, Rafael, Gabriel, Ariel, Ezekiel, Barachiel, Uriel - the suffix meaning "Shining One" in Hebrew.

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 such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#140342

Wear/losses to painting, particularly at the peripheries with some scuffs to the body of the painting as well. Otherwise very good with nice craquelure commensurate with age. Glass-fronted gilded frame is in good condition.