Lovely and old Icon painted on wood from the estate of a Priest. This is the Annunciation with Archangel Gabriel coming to the Virgin Mary, painted in the Orthodox style, painted in a folk art style, we have been told it is Greek Orthodox. The actual images are painted, and the lettering appears to have been done with a stencil possibly, just not sure. This Icon would have been painted for a donor for use in the home and may or may not have been used in a Church. It measures 12 & 1/2" wide by 15 & 3/4" tall and is in good structural condition with some wear on the paint finish, see photos for details. Judging from the design of the back with the two cross boards and the fact it is on very thick wood which resembles the lid of a trunk or box, it possibly was painted on a container that the Priest used to hold sacred objects, but we think the boards are there to stabilize the wood to prevent warping. His name is hand scratched onto the back, the name will not be given out; we really respect the privacy of the families of members of Religious orders, so only the purchaser will have this information. Nice gold gilt burnished halos and gold touches on the cuffs and collar of Mary ( assumption on our part it is she), not sure about the others. Holy book is open on the table with writing. We would appreciate anyone knowledgeable that sees this and can identify the figures to contact us. This is a Holy painting regardless of who painted it, and should be hung as a religious object and not just a work of art. We know it is a vintage piece and it is quite beautiful.

H