St. John the Baptist

Type: Icon

Period: From the beginning of the 17 century to the end of the 17 century

Author: Unknown

Location

Country: Bulgaria

Province: Sofia

Town: Sofia

Museum: National History Museum

Source

Country: Bulgaria

Other source: Others

Object identification notes

The icon is evidence of the high professionalism of 17th century art that developed in the big monasteries in the southern part of Bulgaria. The style is akin to some icons from Plovdiv from the same period as for instance, The Virgin with St. Athanasius of Athos and St. George and other icons from Nessebur.

Description

The depiction conforms to the conventional iconography formula of this personage. John the Baptist is a full-face, waist-length depiction. He blesses with his one hand; he holds a cross, an open scroll with a text from the Bible and supports the platter with his head with his other hand. The gorgeous wings are blue-brown, with graphically reinforced feathers. He wears a dark-blue fur and a brown cloak.

Iconographical technique: Tempera

Base material: Wood

The icon has an inset base. Broad segmented frame in golden and red. The background is golden.