“The Angel with Golden Hair (Archangel Gabriel)” is a revered artwork crafted by the Byzantine artist collective known as “Orthodox Icons” around the year 1200. This icon, painted using tempera on wood, belongs to the Middle Byzantine period (circa 850–1204) and is influenced by the Novgorod school of icon painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 48.8 x 38.8 cm, and it is part of the “Angels and Ethereal Powers” series. It is currently housed in the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork depicts the Archangel Gabriel with an ethereal and tranquil expression, characteristic of Byzantine iconography. The angel’s golden hair is central to the portrayal, symbolizing divine glory and purity. The face, with its detailed contouring and solemn eyes, exudes a sense of spiritual presence and grace. The background and the borders show signs of wear, hinting at the icon’s ancient origins and the passage of time it has witnessed. The stylistic elements are indicative of the Novgorod school’s influence, known for their distinctive approach to icon painting during the Middle Byzantine period.
