A RUSSIAN ICON OF THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL, 19TH CENTURY.

A RUSSIAN ICON OF THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL, 19TH CENTURY. This icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel as he announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear a son who shall be called Jesus. He holds a lily, a symbol of Mary's purity. The thick wood panel, with shaped arch top, would suggest that this icon was once part of a pair of icons representing the Annunciation and of the type commonly displayed on the Royal doors or Tsar Doors (Tsarskiye Dveri), so called because the passage of the sacraments, the King of Glory, through them during the liturgy. The condensed inscription in the Halo identifies him as The Holy Archangel Gabriel. 27.5 inches x 14.75 inches (70 x 37.5 cm).

This item comes with a certificate from The Israeli Antiquities Authority.