We present a unique, 19th-century Russian icon depicting St. John the Baptist in the iconographic type "Angel of the Desert." This rare and deeply symbolic representation shows the Saint as an ascetic, with angelic wings, referring to his role as the forerunner of Christ and "the voice crying in the wilderness."

The icon dates from the second half of the 19th century, which is confirmed by its style, execution technique, and the color palette characteristic of this period. It is made on a linden board with a kovcheg (recessed central field), polychrome tempera.

St. John the Baptist is depicted in the traditional garb of a hermit – a hair shirt and a himation (cloak). In his hands he holds a scroll with a quote from the Holy Scripture, and at his feet an axe is visible at the root of the tree – a symbol of God's judgment. The background of the icon is kept in a subdued color scheme, with a predominance of gold and browns, which gives it solemnity and spiritual depth.

Condition: the icon shows signs of age – visible abrasions of the paint layer, small losses along the edges, and local dulling of the polished riza. A small crack in the board (splitting) at the height of the right wing is stable and does not affect the aesthetic values. It is a fully authentic, original collector's item that will perfectly enrich any collection of sacred art, whether as an object of worship or as an element of interior decoration with soul and history.

Dimensions: approx. 35.5 x 30 cm. The icon is characterized by a strong aura of spirituality and timeless beauty.