Icon - Michael Voyevoda - Wood

Orthodox icon of the Archangel Saint Michael, in his warrior, equestrian form.

Central figure: Archangel Saint Michael, with wings spread and armor, mounted on a horse.

Lance in the right hand (symbol of spiritual combat against evil).

Trumpet in the left hand, associated with the Last Judgment (Miguel as an eschatological herald).

Nimbus around the head.

Head in a medallion in the upper left part: it represents the Mandylion (the Face of Christ “not made by hands”), emphasizing that the victory of the archangel proceeds from Christ.

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Iconographic meaning

This iconography combines two functions of Saint Michael.

Commander of the heavenly armies (Rev 12:7), defender of the Church, and conqueror of evil.

Angel of Judgment, who announces the end of times and divine justice with the trumpet.

The horse and the movement reinforce the idea of quick and powerful divine intervention, highly valued in Russian spirituality.

Origin: Russian tradition.

Technique: egg temple on a board.

Stylistic features: bold line drawing, ochre and gold backgrounds, simple yet symbolically dense composition.

Estimated chronology: 19th century, with visible wear (craquelure, loss of polychromy), consistent with its age.

An authenticity certificate endorsed by the Ministry of Culture of Estonia is provided.
1009.012.006