Russian Icon of John the Baptist – The Angel of the Desert
Russian icon of John the Baptist – The Angel of the Desert, with 12 hagiographical border scenes, from
the private collection. It was created in the late 18th – early 19th century
in Central Russia. The icon depicts the last Old Testament Prophet John the
Baptist, also known as John the Forerunner, who appears in the centerpiece with
angels’ wings, reflecting the Old Testament prophecy: “I will send my messenger
(angel) and he will prepare the way before me.”