John the Baptist – the Angel of the Desert (Copy) | Gold and silver foiled icon | Size: 8 3/4" x 7 1/4"

A Copy of Antique Russian icon. End of the 18^th – early 19^th century. Central Russia. 

 the Orthodox Church St. John the Baptist ranks first in importance among the saints after the Virgin Mother of God. As last Prophet Messenger the iconography represents him winged. In this composition various episodes of this life are depicted around him. To the left, two apocryphal scenes: an angel talking to him during childhood and birth. To the right beheading of St. John and the presentation of the head by Salome.