Guardian angel (Michael)

icoon067_vA favourite icon in Russia since the 17th century, especially among the Old Believers. In his right hand the cross of blessing and in his left hand the sword (symbol of protection).
As an independent pictorial motif the depiction first finds its way to the Christian East in the late middle ages.
Psalm 91 verse 11 says: ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.’

Size: 50 x 24 cm.