0429 Archangel Michael

0429 Archangel Michael
Russian , 19th cent. 41x31x2.5 cms

Archangel Michael as “Voevoda” fulfils the predictions of The Book of Revelation.  On a fiery steed he rides roughshod over the wicked cities [Sodom and Gomorrah] beneath him. He carries a spear topped with a Cross and pointing ominously down at his targets below. In his left hand he carries the closed Book of Judgement. The fate of those listed sealed. His clarion call from his trumpet is a warning of immediacy. The rainbow arc between his hands symbolic of the promise of God is to be fulfilled. It is time for judgement.
In the top left corner is Christ Emmanuel  before a prepared altar [known as a”Hetimasa”] which is also a symbolic throne of Christ.

Written on a bowed board which. at one point in its life has split and been repaired. Since purchase from Eastern Europe, the icon has been cleaned.