Icon - Annunciation - Wood

For sale is a Late Post-Byzantine and Russian Baroque influenced icon painting. This magnificent Orthodox Annunciation icon dates from the mid 19th century. Moreover, as a sacred object depicts the scene in which the Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary to announce the conception of Jesus.

Its stylistic features, construction and egg tempera on wood paining technique result in a rare and unique collectible item.

As for the architectural elements, the buildings visible behind the figures, the tower, the domed canopy (ciborium), and the red drapery (velum) spanning between them are typical elements of Byzantine iconography. At the same time, the softer treatment of the lines and the gradual loosening of perspective reflect developments in icon painting during the mid 17th- mid 18th century.

Deep red, dark blue, and ochre tones predominate while the composition strictly follows the traditional Byzantine/Eastern Orthodox iconographic canon i.e. Archangel Gabriel rushing in from the left, Mary standing before a palace structure, and the spatial tension connecting them.

The drapery of the garments and the detailed, slightly softer rendering of the architectural elements are characteristic of early or middle 17th Greek or Russian regional workshops.

The gold leaf gilding and the characteristics of the hand-carved wood confirm that this is a genuine antique piece.

The iconography shows a detailed section of a classic Byzantine Orthodox icon depicting the Virgin Mary during the Annunciation (Evangelismos).

The "MP ΘY" Inscription: Above Mary's head, you can see the Greek abbreviation for Μήτηρ Θεού (Mētēr Theou), which translates to Mother of God or Theotokos.

Mary is shown slightly bowing with her hand brought toward her chest. This traditional and intimate gesture signifies her humility, reverence, and acceptance of the Archangel Gabriel's message ("Let it be to me according to your word").

The pillars and arches behind her represent the house in Nazareth where the biblical event took place.
Colors of the Robe: She wears a deep reddish-brown maforion (veil/mantle), symbolizing both royalty and suffering, over a blue tunic which represents her human nature.

On the far left edge of the image, you can catch also a glimpse of the top of the Archangel Gabriel's magnificent and sacred heraldic staff.

Condition is in alignment with its antique age and devotional use.