0404 The Archangel Michael

Russian.
18th cent. 31×25.8×2.5 cms

Riding a winged steed Archangel Michael, the commander of the heavenly army rides down to bring judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah whose burning remains lie below.  He wears a crown and carries The Book of Judgement in one hand and a lance capped with a Cross. with a Cross in the other. The rainbow that arches between his hands is a symbol of his covenant with God.

In the top left hand corner is an image of Christ Emmanuel to symbolise not a child but the eternal timeless uncorruptable love of God.