Executed in the late 15th century style, this icon of Gabriel was once most likely placed on the Deisis tier of an iconostasis. Here Gabriel, angel of the Annunciation, is depicted turned inward towards Christ. He holds a staff and a transparent disk upon which is inscribed the abbreviation for Christ. Some sources interpret the disk as a globe, but that is misleading for two reasons: First, readers may inaccurately assume that the sphere of the earth is meant. Second, inography the object is more commonly shown as a flat, transparent disk representing a zertsalo or mirror, rather than a sphere. The object actually originated in pagan times as a spherical orb symbolizing the sovereignty of the bearer. In early Byzantine art it is held by rulers, and this usage was transferred to the Archangels as heavenly powers. Very old depictions may show a spherical orb surmounted by a cross. It represents the kosmos (universe) under the rule of Christ. Inography it often becomes, as noted, a transparent disk which acts as a sigil or seal of Christ, bearing the abbreviation of his name.
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