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19-Russian Icons
The Archangels Michael and Gabriel
18th century
Egg tempera, gold leaf on wood panel, 44" x 20.5" (each)
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection


sually when one sees a pair of icons like these depicting the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, you would expect them to have been originally placed within the Deisis tier of an iconostasis. In that configuration they would be the second figures moving outward from the center on the right and left side of Christ. However, if they were meant to be placed in the iconostasis, their posture would have them turned more inward toward Christ in an attitude of prayer. Their scroll text and body position would identify this pair as “warning angels.” These were the angels displayed above or near the inner entry doors watching who comes to church. The angel on the left who is identified by an inscription above his head as the “Archangel Mikhial” holds a scroll which begins, “Out of the Mercy of God he does not yet cast down fire from Heaven and does not burn all who speak...” The angel on the right identified as the “Archangel Gabriel” holds a scroll which begins, “The angel of the Lord forbids stubbornness and pride on coming into the church...” The lifelike rendering of these angels illustrates the popularity of the Western style at that time. Still, to some, icons such as these were considered blasphemous. However to the majority, they were seen as a vibrant alternative to the traditional “old” style of iconography.