21 - Russian icon depicting Saint John the Baptist, the "Angel of the Desert," surrounded by holy hierarchs and interceding martyrs—19th century

Russian icon depicting Saint John the Baptist, the "Angel of the Desert," surrounded by holy hierarchs and interceding martyrs—19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 63.5 x 46 cm At the very center of the scene stands the monumental figure of Saint John the Baptist (Ioann Predteča), depicted according to the powerful theological variant known as the “Angel of the Desert.” He has large, golden-brown feathered wings, wears a hermit’s furs covered by an orange-red mantle, and holds in his left hand a platter containing his own severed head—a symbol of his martyrdom—alongside an unrolled scroll inscribed with Scripture in Old Church Slavonic. With his right hand, he performs the traditional gesture of blessing. Surrounding the Forerunner is a magnificent, hieratic hagiographic gallery, arranged symmetrically across two registers. The figures are identified by calligraphic inscriptions in Old Church Slavonic, found along the upper margins and within the halos. In the lower register, on the left, stands a martyred saint in dark garments and a red chlamys, accompanied by a holy bishop or hierarch (likely Saint Blaise or Saint Nicholas), who is dressed in solemn liturgical vestments—including a broad, golden omophorion—and holds a closed Gospel book. On the right, in a symmetrical arrangement, appears another holy hierarch (likely Saint Nilus or Saint Spyridon) with a white beard, holding an open Gospel book; he is flanked, on the far right, by a young martyred saint or prophet. The upper register features four figures arranged in pairs upon clouds: on the left, one can discern two holy martyrs and ascetics in prayer—most notably Saint Demetrius (Svjatyj Dimitrij)—while on the right appear the regal, crowned figures of two renowned female martyrs of early Christianity. As identified by the calligraphic inscriptions on the kovčeg (recessed central panel), these are Saint Catherine of Alexandria (Svjataja Ekaterina) and Saint Barbara (Svjataja Varvara), both attired in sumptuous royal vestments. Dominating the entire composition from above, and bestowing a blessing upon it, is the theophanic figure of Christ the Almighty Savior (Gospod’ Vsedržitel’). He is depicted in a half-length portrait, holding an open book of the Gospels while raising his right hand in a solemn gesture of universal protection, all set within a radiant, semicircular *mandorla* surrounded by receding clouds. His Excellency the Most Reverend Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time. Restorations, cracks, and losses.