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This icon is part of the archived collection and is no longer available.
A substantial and spiritually powerful Russian icon depicting Saint John the Baptist, the Holy Forerunner and Precursor of Christ. The saint is rendered in his traditional ascetic form, with elongated features and solemn expression, holding the platter bearing his martyred head — a profound symbol of his sacrifice and unwavering witness to the Lord. Encircling the central figure are finely detailed narrative scenes from his sacred life, including his preaching in the wilderness, his baptismal ministry, and his martyrdom. The lower register presents a multi-figure composition related to his veneration and holy history, enriching the theological and devotional depth of the icon. Painted in egg tempera on wood with a warm gilded ground, this icon follows the established Russian iconographic techniques of the 19th century. The expressive linear modeling, earthy tonal palette, and disciplined compositional structure reflect the enduring Orthodox artistic tradition of the period. The surface displays age-consistent craquelure, natural wear, and a devotional patina accumulated over time. The reverse shows later reinforcing battens added for structural stability. The painted layer retains its historical integrity and authentic character. Grateful this exceptional piece has found its new home. “𝔒𝔩𝔡 𝔴𝔬𝔬𝔡 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔱𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰”
