Icon - John the Baptist - Wood

San Juan Bautista, one of the most important figures of the Orthodox and Eastern Christian tradition. The inscription in ancient Cyrillic at the top identifies the saint as “Св. Иоанн Креститель” (“St. John the Baptist” or “John the Forerunner”).

The image follows classic Orthodox iconography:
Austere and melancholic face, symbol of his life in the desert.
Long hair and fine beard, characteristic of the Forerunner.
Green mantle over a reddish tunic, colors associated with spiritual life and sacrifice.
Head tilted and hand over the chest, gesture of humility and call to repentance.
Circular halo engraved, indicating sainthood.
From the painting style, the panel and the Slavic writing, it seems to be a Russian or Balkan icon of the 19th century, made in tempera on wood. The sober, dark format recalls the popular devotional icons of provincial Russian workshops.
It preserves a very intense spiritual expression and authentic iconography.