19th Century Greek Orthodox Icon of Saint John the Baptist

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Description

An unusually captivating hand-painted Greek Orthodox icon of Saint John the Baptist (Agios Ioannis Prodromos), rendered in egg tempera with … Read more An unusually captivating hand-painted Greek Orthodox icon of Saint John the Baptist (Agios Ioannis Prodromos), rendered in egg tempera with gold leaf on a wooden panel, likely 19th century. The saint is shown in his traditional ascetic form with long hair and beard, his wings identifying him as the “Angel of the Desert.” In his left arm he cradles a platter bearing his own severed head, referencing his martyrdom, while his right hand is raised in blessing. He holds an inscribed scroll, and the upper corners bear Greek abbreviations naming him “Ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Πρό(δρομος)” — Saint John the Forerunner.

The icon features a luminous gold ground and a deep green field framing the figure. The surface displays age-appropriate craquelure and wear, particularly along the gilded border, consistent with devotional handling and time. The back is fitted with a small hook for wall hanging.

A powerful and theologically layered image central to Eastern Orthodox devotion, this icon would have originally been used in a private prayer corner or small chapel setting. Its strong linear stylization, expressive facial modeling, and restrained palette reflect traditional post-Byzantine Greek icon painting practices. See less