'Unexpected Joy', Russian Icon of several identified saints and arch angel, the Virgin, and the Christ Child. Painted of egg tempera with gold leaf, on gesso wood panel that is reinforced with a cross brace to help prevent warping. It was believed that icons acted as intermediaries between worshipers and the holy personages they depicted. Their pictorial language is stylized and primarily symbolic, rather than literal and narrative. Indeed, every attitude, pose, and color depicted in an icon has a precise meaningSize: 14 x 12 in.Please note that all sales are final. No refunds will be given under any circumstances.