19th Century Eastern Orthodox Hand-Painted Wood Icon of Archangel Michael

Details

Description

A striking antique Eastern Orthodox devotional icon depicting Saint Michael the Archangel, or Michael the Archistrategos, commander of the heavenly … Read more A striking antique Eastern Orthodox devotional icon depicting Saint Michael the Archangel, or Michael the Archistrategos, commander of the heavenly host.

Painted by hand on a substantial wood panel, Saint Michael is portrayed as a winged warrior wearing a helmet and armor and carrying a sword. Saturated shades of turquoise blue, deep red, forest green and ochre create an especially compelling composition, while the beautifully aged painted surface gives the piece considerable historic character.

Traditional lettering appears across the upper portion of the icon. The reverse remains exposed, revealing the heavily aged wood panel and its original character.

Believed to date to the 19th century, although the precise geographic school and date have not been independently authenticated.

An exceptional decorative object for an antique, religious-art, folk-art or Old World interior, and particularly striking displayed alone as a sculptural tabletop object or incorporated into a collected gallery wall.

Dimensions

11.25 in H × 8.75 in W × 0.5 in D

Condition

Good antique condition consistent with age and devotional use. A visible age-related crack extends upward from the center of the lower edge of the wood panel. Areas of paint and ground loss are present along the lower edge and corners, together with scattered minor surface losses, scratches and generalized wear. Small old holes and losses are visible around portions of the perimeter. The reverse exhibits substantial natural aging and discoloration of the wood.

The age-related wear contributes to the authentic antique character of the piece. Please review photographs closely for complete condition details.

Display stand not included. See less