Old - Virgin Mary and John the Baptist Icons

Deesis Rare Matching Pair: Antique Greek Orthodox Icons (c. 1880–1950) A beautiful and authentic set of hand-painted devotional icons depicting the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) and St. John the Baptist (The Forerunner). This is a rare opportunity to acquire a matching pair of Greek workshop icons. Executed in the traditional late-Byzantine style, these pieces were likely created as a private intercessory set (part of a Deesis) for a home altar or a small chapel. Key Features: Subject Matter: * The Virgin Mary: Depicted in a graceful pose of intercession, wearing the traditional deep madder-red mantle. St. John the Baptist: Identified by the Greek inscription “ΠΡΟΔΡΟΜΟΣ” (The Forerunner), shown in his characteristic camel-hair garment. Traditional Craftsmanship: Hand-painted in egg tempera on thick (approx. 2cm), solid wood boards. The backs are finished in traditional black protective pigment. Authentic Gilding: The backgrounds feature genuine gold leaf (or high-quality leaf on bole), displaying a stunning, deep natural craquelure (aging cracks) that confirms their age and authenticity. Distinctive Framing: Both icons feature the classic Greek deep-red hand-painted border, symbolizing divine light. Condition Report: These icons possess a wonderful "time-worn" patina that only comes with a century of history. Authentic Aging: Deep, stable cracking in the gesso and gold layers adds significant character and confirms the late 19th/early 20th-century origin. Preservation: Minor loss to the gilding and paint in keeping with age. The boards show a slight, natural organic curve, typical for old wood, but remain structurally sound. Collector’s Note: Matching pairs of this age, in original condition without modern "over-painting" or restoration, are increasingly difficult to find. These are not modern mass-produced copies or prints, but genuine hand-painted religious artifacts. A stunning addition to any collection of sacred art or as a centerpiece for a refined interior.