Pair Of Antique Russian Icons – Archangels Michael And Gabriel – Russia, Late 17th/early 18th Century

Pair of Antique Russian Icons – Archangels Michael and Gabriel – Russia, late 17th/early 18th century

Egg tempera and gilding on softwood panels. Dimensions: 33 x 30 cm each

Provenance: European private collection

A superb and rare pair of Russian icons depicting the two great archangels of the Orthodox tradition: Saint Michael and Saint Gabriel, portrayed as busts, slightly inclined towards a central image that is now lost. Description: Each archangel is depicted according to the late Byzantine canon: Finely modeled faces with warm reddish-brown complexions; a melancholic and introspective gaze; finely spiraled hair; burnished gold leaf halos; dark backgrounds typical of post-Nikonian Russian production. Michael wears a red tunic richly embroidered with gold, a symbol of heavenly justice. Gabriel wears a green chlamys adorned with gilded floral motifs, evoking his role as messenger of the Annunciation. Inscriptions in Old Church Slavonic clearly identify each archangel. Attribution: Russia, late 17th – early 18th century. Moscow School or Novgorod sphere. Stylistic characteristics: Softening of features following the reforms of Patriarch Nikon; moderate Baroque influence; produced for private devotion; softwood panels with characteristic horizontal crossbars. Condition: Good overall condition. Cracking consistent with age (250–300 years). Localized wear and old restorations. Sound structure. Significance: Rare pair preserved together; sought-after square format; beautiful stylistic homogeneity; strong decorative and spiritual ensemble; ideal for a collector of Russian sacred art or for creating a private iconostasis set. Shipping and Insurance Information: The packaging of all our parcels is entrusted to MBE (Mail Boxes Etc.) Narbonne, guaranteeing careful and perfectly secure packaging. Shipping is then handled by UPS, FedEx, or GLS, ensuring reliable and tracked delivery worldwide. For any purchase over €4,000, an ad valorem insurance policy is automatically taken out with Trans-Pass, thus offering optimal coverage for your purchase throughout its entire journey. #AncientIcon #RussianIcon #SacredArt #ArchangelMichael #ArchangelGabriel #OrthodoxIcon #Iconostasis #Tempera #OldPainting #ByzantineArt #ReligiousAntiquity #18thCenturyRussianArt #ArtCollection #Proantic #Spirituality #Heritage