Icon - St. James - Wood

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

Feature of the inscription: Depicted is 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 feature of authentic folk art from this era, where names are often written according to local pronunciation.

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

Material and fabrication: Painted on a thick, heavy wooden panel. The backside shows impressive, archaic traces of hand work (hewn) and has no crossbars, which is absolutely characteristic for rural icons of this time.

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

An honest, characterful collector’s piece!