The Angel with Golden Hair (Angelos Chrysochaetes) - Photographic Reproduction
Photographic print or high-quality lithograph on paper • Original attributed to the Novgorodian School (Russia); this copy is anonymous manufacturers/publishers.
Style & Movement
Byzantine/Old Russian Iconography (Novgorod School)
Medium & Technique
Ink or photographic emulsion on paper; reproducing an original 12th-century tempera on panel icon technique characterized by fine line work and stylized facial features.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Reproduction of a 12th-century original)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (visible); Portrait format within a modern frame and mat.
Subject Description
A close-up of an angelic figure, specifically the Archangel Gabriel. The figure features large, melancholic eyes, a narrow nose, and hair woven with 'assist' (fine gold lines). The background is a weathered purple/mauve, mimicking the distressed state of the original artifact.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (as a reproduction). The 'damage' seen (cracking, peeling paint) is part of the printed image to simulate the aged original icon.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a museum gift shop print or from a specialty religious art retailer. No historical provenance for the physical paper itself.
Art Historical Significance
The original icon (kept in the State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg) is one of the most famous examples of pre-Mongol Russian art. It represents the height of the 12th-century Novgorodian style, which blended Byzantine influence with local emotional depth.
Notable Features
The print accurately captures the 'golden hair' technique (gold leaf lines) and the distinctively tilted head and somber expression characteristic of Middle Byzantine angelic depictions.
Condition Issues
No significant issues visible on the print itself; minor potential for light fading if not behind UV-protective glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent ink fading. The current professional matting and framing are sufficient for preservation.