Icon - St. James - Wood

For sale is an authentic wooden icon from the late 18th or early 19th century (approx. 1780–1850). It is a classic, rural work (so-called folk icon) in pristine original condition.

Feature of the inscription: It depicts the Old Testament patriarch and forefather Jacob. The original inscription on the right front reads letter-for-letter АКОВ. The introductory "I/J" was omitted by the rural painter – a fascinating and typical characteristic of authentic folk art from this era, where names were often written according to local pronunciation.

Iconography: Jacob is portrayed as a wise old man with a long beard, holding a scroll in his left hand – the classic attribute for prophets and seers of the Old Testament.

Material and manufacture: Painted on a thick, heavy wooden panel. The reverse shows impressive, archaic traces of hand tooling (beveling) and has no crossbars, which is absolutely characteristic of rural icons from this period.

Condition: Aged, uncleaned original condition with deep, authentic patina on the back and fine craquelure on the front. Visible material loss and flaking of paint (especially at the bottom edge and in the garment area) as well as drying cracks in the wood. Inactive, historical woodworm traces on the back. Restored.

An honest, characterful collectible piece!