Icon Of The Annunciation, Russia, St. Petersburg, 19th Century

Exceptional and luminous icon of the Annunciation that belonged to Bishop Sergius Druzhinin (1863-1937), executed by the Bolsheviks and then canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

He was the confessor of the Imperial Grand Dukes Constantine and Dimitry Constantinovich and served as a priest in the Tsar's armies during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.

Appointed Bishop of Narva in 1924, he fought against the eradication of the Russian Orthodox Church orchestrated by the communists. He was arrested, tortured and executed in 1937.

In 2020, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a holy martyr.

This icon has a stamp on the back which certifies that it was part of the private collection of Bishop Druzhinin and which reads in Russian:
"By the grace of God"
"Humble Sergey (Druzhinin)"
"Bishop of Narva"

The style and great finesse of this icon allow it to be attributed to the famous iconographic school of Saint Petersburg of the late 19th century.
On the left of the composition, the Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary (on the right) that she will give birth to Christ.
It is painted in tempera on a gold leaf background. The tones are rich and warm.
The border features geometric patterns in the "art nouveau" style, very fashionable at the time.

The work is in very good original condition. Some small cracks and wear from time.
This unique collector's item is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a complete description of the work.
Dimensions: 35 cm by 30.5 cm.