Icon depicting the miracle in Chonae
The icon portrays the miracle of the Archangel Michael at Chonae, as attested to by the inscription close to the top: “ΘΑΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΗΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΟΥ ΜΙΧΑΗΛ / ΤΟΥ ΕΝ ΧΩΝΕΣ” [MIRACLE OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL AT CHONAE]. The space is delimited by the two bow-shaped rocky peaks that fill the background. Between them flows the mountain torrent which the Archangel Michael diverts with a thrust of his spear to save the domed church painted to its right along with the figure (now destroyed) of Archippos, who built and kept watch over it. The icon reveals stylistic traits common in contemporaneous icons painted in Kastoria and Veroia. These include the soft, earthy colours; the bulky body and small head of the Archangel Michael; the distinct folds of the drapery, which emphasise the dynamic quality of the figure; and the vigorous modelling of the rocky landscape with its gentle gradations of tone.
PUBLICATION
Chatzidakis N. 2007. Catalogue no. 106, in Skampavias K.—Chatzidakis N. (eds), Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum.Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art, Athens, 126–129.