NORTHERN GREECE - CIRCA 1700 Saint Michael the Archangel Icon from Northern Greece (Macedonia?), circa 1700 Tempera on panel Size : 30,5 x 22,8 cm. 12 x 9 in. approximately The Archangel Michael is depicted as a winged figure in feet, wearing Roman-style armor, holding in his left hand the sword of the Archstrategist of the Heavenly Militia, which separates good from evil during the War of the Angels, and in his right hand a phylactery. The icon is painted in frank tones, dominated by the red of the himation and the cerulean blue of the chiton and the top of the second plan, evoking the divine power and the celestial kingdom, his feet firmly planted on a green background symbolizing the earthly creation. The icon is in a good general state of conservation, the original varnish has been completely removed, mastication and repentance of lacunae, especially in the upper part, on the right (bottom, wing), some polychromatic revivals, especially at the level of the halo and the hair, and the borders. Expert : Lydia MANIC