Icons of Archangel Michael: A Collector's Guide to Antique Orthodox Icons of the Archistrategos

Archangel Michael is shown in Orthodox icons as the Archistrategos, the commander of the heavenly host. He appears as a winged warrior in armour or in imperial robes, holding a sword or a spear, and in some icons he defeats the dragon of the Book of Revelation. This guide explains the main types of Michael icons, how Greek and Russian versions differ, and what to look for in an antique icon of Archangel Michael.

Who Archangel Michael is in Orthodox icons

Michael is the leader of the angels in the Bible and in Orthodox tradition. The Book of Revelation describes him leading the heavenly army against the dragon. Greek tradition gives him the title Archistrategos, the chief commander. He is regarded as a protector and as a patron of soldiers. His feast, the Synaxis of the Archangels, falls on 8 November, which is 21 November in the civil calendar for churches that keep the Julian calendar.

The main types of Michael icons

Michael with sword and spear: a winged figure in armour or a tunic, with a raised sword or a spear and sometimes a shield. Michael and the dragon: the archangel overcomes the dragon, the scene from the Book of Revelation. Michael in imperial robes: he wears court dress with a jewelled collar and holds a sceptre or lance and an orb with a cross or a Christ monogram. This form is typical of Byzantine icons. The Miracle at Chonae: the scene of Michael saving a church at Chonae in Phrygia from a flood, remembered on 6 September. Icons of this scene are more complex and less common. The Synaxis of the Archangels: a group icon of Michael with Gabriel and other angels.

Michael and Gabriel on church doors

Michael and Gabriel are often painted as a pair on the side doors of the iconostasis, the screen of icons in an Orthodox church. On small icons they also appear together, turned towards each other.

Greek and Russian models

Greek icons of Michael follow the Byzantine pattern: a calm figure in court dress with large wings and a Greek inscription. Russian painters often show more movement and armour, especially in the 17th to 19th centuries, with Church Slavonic inscriptions and sometimes a silver or brass oklad.

What to check when buying

Type and inscription: the title should match the composition, in Greek or Church Slavonic. Face and hands: the most common places for later overpainting. Panel and ground: age and wear should agree with the claimed date. Oklad or frame: a silver oklad can carry a hallmark that helps with dating. Appraisal: ask for a written expert report with age, school and condition.

Available icons

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Archangel Michael shown with a sword?

The sword marks him as the leader of the heavenly army, who fights the dragon in the Book of Revelation.

What does Archistrategos mean?

Archistrategos is Greek for chief commander. It is the title given to Michael as the leader of the angels.

What is the Synaxis of the Archangels?

The Synaxis is the feast of the archangels, celebrated on 8 November in the Julian calendar. Icons of the feast show Michael with Gabriel and other angels.

Can I import an antique icon into the United States?

Yes. No import duties apply, and a small duty processing fee may occur. Shipping costs $100 to $250 depending on the icon and includes free insurance.

Authenticity and buying from the US

Every icon from Ikonen Mautner comes with an Expertise, a written appraisal with a QR code that links to the record of the piece. Ikonen Mautner has traded in antique Orthodox icons in Vienna since 1959. Shipping to the United States costs between $100 and $250, depending on the icon. Every piece ships fully insured, and the insurance is free of charge.

No import duties apply. A small duty processing fee may occur.

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