An 18th century Russian icon, the annunciation the central scene depicting the annunciation is set against an elaborate architectural background, to the left stands the Archangel Gabriel, holding a messenger staff and making a gesture of blessing towards the Virgin Mary with his right hand, the Virgin who bows her head in reverence, holds a thread of wool in her hands, the Holy Spirit descends on her, represented as three fine rays coming from a segment of heaven, egg tempera and gesso wood panel, 37 cm x 28 cm. Provenance: Iconastas Gallery, Piccadilly Arcade, St. James's, London.