Icon - Annunciation - Wood, Metal

Ancient Orthodox sacred icon, Russian from the 19th century, depicting the Annunciation, enriched with a silver-colored embossed metal riza. The scene shows the Archangel Gabriel on the left addressing the Virgin Mary on the right, who appears kneeling or gathered in prayer beside a lectern. The metal cover features raised floral decorations along the frame and halos worked around the faces of the figures, allowing glimpses of the underlying painting, tempera on a wooden panel. The work dates from the 19th century and is attributable to the Russian Orthodox tradition. On the right is present the embossed and pierced sheet of silvered metal, shaped to cover the painted panel, leaving only the hands and faces of the characters visible through appropriate openings. The icon shows evident signs of time, with wear to the painted surface and oxidation or detachment of the metal sheet. Naturally, as can be seen, the riza for those who want it is to be nailed to the panel."