Russian icon of the Guardian Angel, painted on an old board, 14x12 in

Russian icon of the Guardian Angel, painted on an old board, 14x12 in. This Russian icon painted on an antique board of the 19th century depicts the Guardian Angel. Angels have always occupied an important position in iconographic compositions as incorporal creatures creating a bridge between Heaven and Earth and represent the Old Testament. Also God has sometimes appeared to men as one of these creatures.
The Orthodox Church divides the angelic representation in three groups:
- the Seraphim with his face incovered and his whole body hidden by six wings
- the Cherub, characterisde by four wings
- the Angel with the look of a young man with two wings.
The topic of this icon, the Guardian Angel or "Angel Chranitel", is a figure of great importance in Russian iconography, worshipped in the privacy of the household.
The Guardian Angel has always been present in the family icons. In addition, since the 17th century, in Russia, it is customary to depict him even on the edges of icons where the patron saints are painted.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Board: 19th century.
Painting: 21th century.
Measures: 13.8x11.8 inches.