Icon Deesis Icon With Archangels Michael And Gabriel And Other Saints

In the meaning of the word "request or prayer", the Deesis in the Eastern Church symbolizes the intercession for forgiveness of the sins of humanity from the world judge on the last day.
The basic form of the representation is a three-figure image that shows the Mother of God and John the Baptist on either side of the enthroned Christ. Mary appears as the advocate of the New Covenant, while John makes atonement on behalf of the families of the Old Testament.

On the icon presented, the figure of the all-ruler occupies the middle field. Christ holds the opened Gospel book with the following text:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened......"

According to Psalm 45:10 "The bride is at your right hand."
The Mother of God holds the place to the right of Christ. She faces her son and points her hand at him pleadingly.

John is depicted to Christ's left. As a messenger sent from heaven to prepare the way for the Lord, he wears angel wings. He is always dressed in a camel hair robe. In his left hand he holds a scroll whose text reads: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
The archangels Michael and Gabriel are depicted behind the Pantocrator's throne. Above, the saints from left to right are as follows:
John the Evangelist, Peter, Paul and HI. Nicholas.

The monastery founders Sosima and Sawatij are shown kneeling in front of the throne.

The icon presented is by a Central Russian icon painter from the second half of the 19th century (1850- 60). The icon is in its original condition.