Icon - John the Evangelist - Wood

An ancient Russian Orthodox icon depicting Saint John the Evangelist, portrayed according to canonical tradition with the opened Gospel and the symbolic eagle beside the figure. In the background an angel appears within a small reserve.

Egg tempera on a wooden panel with a gesso (levkas) preparation. A popular rendition but with good color rendering, characterized by vivid reds and greens and a gold halo.

The back presents the original inset wooden crossbars (“shponki”), an element consistent with late 19th-century Russian production. There are edge wear, surface abrasions, craquelure, and small paint lifts compatible with age.

Work intended for private devotion.
Probable central Russian production, second half of the 19th century.