Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th century CE. A dramatic icon delineated in egg tempera, gesso, and gold leaf on wood, depicting a rather obscure subject - "The Punishment of the Jew Athonius" - a legend from an apocryphal Gospel or hagiography. During the funeral procession of the Mother of God, a Jew nameed Athonius rushed toward the coffin to try to overturn it. At once his hands were cut off by the Archangel Michael; however, he repented, was healed,a nd became a Christian. Here the winged, haloed, angelic warrior Saint Michael the Archangel valiantly raises his sword with his right hand and holds its scabbard in his left hand; he is presented as the general of heaven's angels and protector of the Church Militant, donning vestments in blue with a flowing red cape, and challenges Athonius who dramatically raises his hands in a gesture of surrender. Size: 15.5" W x 11.5" H (39.4 cm x 29.2 cm) Archangels are understood to be helpers and allies who offer dedicated protection through life's trials and travails. Their names usually end in the suffix "ael" or "iel" meaning “Shining One” in Hebrew, e.g. Miguel, Rafael, Gabriel, Ariel, Ezekiel, Barachiel, Uriel, etc. Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven." Provenance: ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #119507