Byzantine+art



Byzantine (second half of the 13th century, //[|Icon with the Archangel Gabriel]//, [|tempera] and [|gold] on [|wood] [|panel] with raised borders, 105 x 75 cm (41 3/8 x 29 1/2 inches), Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt. One of the [|masterpieces] of [|Byzantine art], this [|icon] shows the archangel Gabriel as a youth of extreme [|beauty]. His graceful posture and [|harmonious] [|gestures], along with the calmness of his face, are evocative of [|classical] art. The [|figure] wears a light green tunic and a [|himation] covered with golden [|highlights]. According to the eleventh-century writer Michael Psellos, a fillet such as that around the curly hair signifies the purity, chastity, and incorruptibility of the angels. Gabriel's function as a messenger is indicated by the walking staff he holds in his left hand, while he makes a gesture of adoration and supplication with his right hand. This [|icon] was part of a larger group, very likely forming a [|deesis]. (http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/b/byzantine.html) by shreyash

One of the masterpieces of Byzantine art, this icon shows the the archangel of Gabrielle as youth of extreme beauty. His graceful posture and harmonious gestures, along with the calmness of his face are ecotive of classical art. The figure wears a light green tunic and a himatation covered with golden highlights.

BY Emil feghali