Icon - Wood - Prophet Habakkuk

This icon represents a prophet of the Old Testament, identified by the ecclesiastical Slavonic inscription as the Prophet Habakkuk.

The upper inscription reads: “Пророкъ Аввакумъ” (Prorok Avvakum), i.e., Prophet Habakkuk.
It depicts a minor biblical figure, one of the twelve Minor Prophets of the Old Testament.
He stands upright, with a serene, frontal posture, typical of iconographic art.
His face is young, which is interesting, as in other traditions he can be depicted as more mature.
He wears a dark tunic (black or very dark green), a symbol of sobriety and prophetic life.
Over it, a vivid red mantle:
Red in iconography symbolizes divine inspiration, God’s ardent word.
It can also allude to suffering or prophetic zeal.
Golden halo
Indicates his holiness and his status as a man illuminated by God.
The golden background reinforces the timeless and celestial dimension of the icon.

The scroll (filacteria)

Key element: it contains a prophetic text.
Prophets are usually depicted with scrolls because they carry God’s Word.
The text likely contains a quotation from the Book of Habakkuk (such as his famous reflection on divine justice).
The bare feet symbolize:
- Humility
- Direct contact with the sacred
- Prophetic vocation

Habakkuk is known for his dialogue with God about evil and justice. His central message:
- Faith in the midst of uncertainty
- Trust in the divine plan even when it cannot be understood

One of his most famous phrases (Hab 2:4):
“The just shall live by his faith.”
Icon of Russian tradition (probably 18th–19th century)
Ochre background with a dark frame typical
Use of fine lines and stylized folds
Modeling of the face with soft highlights (technique of the “sankir”)