12. Icon on glass, "The Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel", attributed to painter Simion Poienaru, Laz, 1857, very rare piece, collection item

The icon represents the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, in the heavens, standing on clouds. Both are dressed in Roman soldier attire. Archangel Michael has a chalice in his left hand, while Archangel Gabriel has a sword in his right hand, both holding the Globe of Power. The composition is framed by a white border. Centrally, under the globe, the year "1857" is written. This icon stands out from the series of representations with the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, due to the expressiveness of the line and the accuracy with which the costume details are rendered.

Dimensions

width 45 cm, height 52.5 cm

Description

tempera and gold foil on enamel, distressed frame, with effort

Research information

A similar icon is published in "A Spiritual Geography of the Transylvanian Glass Icon," by Ana Dumitran, Bucharest, 2018, page 73. The Feast of the Holy Archangels originates in an annual anniversary of the consecration of a church dedicated to the Holy Archangel Michael, erected at the baths of Emperor Arcadius in Constantinople. In the oldest calendar texts, it appears as a celebration dedicated exclusively to Archangel Michael, but over time it became a common feast for all Angels. The name Michael originates from the Hebrew language meaning "Who is like God?". In biblical tradition, Archangel Michael is associated with defending divine justice. He appears in numerous biblical episodes: he saves the three young men from the fiery furnace of Babylon, supports Gedeon in battle, rebukes the sorcerer Valaam and frees Saint Peter from prison. According to Christian tradition, at the sound of Archangel Michael's trumpet, the dead will rise from their graves at the end of times. Archangel Gabriel, whose name means in Hebrew "God is my power" or "man of God", is the messenger of the major divine annunciations. He announces to Saints Joachim and Anna the birth of the Mother of the Lord, reveals to Zechariah the birth of Saint John the Baptist and brings the shepherds the news of the birth of Christ. He also reassures Joseph, Mary's fiancé, guides him in the flight to Egypt and brings the myrrh-bearing women the news of the Lord's Resurrection. In Christian tradition, Archangel Gabriel is considered the angel of kindness and divine mercy.

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