Icon of the Archangel Michael, Late 19th to Early 20th Century

The icon "Image of the Archistrategos Michael" was painted in the late 19th or early 20th century. Its subject is the Archangel Michael, whom Orthodox tradition calls the Archistrategos.

The Greek word "archistrategos" means "commander-in-chief". Michael bears this title because, according to Church tradition, he leads the heavenly host that remained faithful to God and stands against the forces of evil. He is associated with the victory over Lucifer, that is, Satan.

The icon is made in the traditional technique: a wooden panel was covered with levkas, a chalk ground, and then painted in tempera and decorated with gilding.