Russian icon of St. John the Baptist with brass riza, 19th century, 12.5x10 in

Russian icon of St. John the Baptist with brass riza, 19th century, 12.5x10 in.

Antique icon portraying St. John the Baptist in the attire of an ascetic, a desert hermit, reflecting the Gospel accounts of John as the precursor of Christ, preaching penance. Additionally, the New Testament references John the Baptist and the Old Testament prophecies as: "A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God'" and: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you". This latter prophecy forms the basis of the desert iconography, known in Byzantine art from the late 13th - early 14th century (the oldest surviving representation of this type appears in the frescoes of the church of Saint Achilles in Arilje). In Russian art, such depictions date back to the 14th century (the icon of John the Baptist Angel of the desert, from the late 14th century, originating from Kolomna, currently at the Tretyakov Gallery), becoming widespread in the 16th-17th century. The icon is covered with a silver metal riza crafted in the iconographic style of the garments John wore in the desert.

It is delivered with an elegant blue case, accompanied by an expertise from a specialised professional. Origin: Moscow, Russia. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood, levkas, silver metal riza. Actual dimensions: 12.6x10.2 in. Era: mid-19th century.