#01333 ICON PAINTING

The composition presents a hierarchical arrangement of figures against a radiant gold background, characteristic of Byzantine iconography. Three tall, slender figures stand in the upper portion of the scene; they are draped in long, flowing robes of red and green hues, their faces rendered with solemn expressions and dark hair. Each figure possesses large, stylized wings extending from their backs, suggesting an ethereal or divine nature.
Below these standing figures, a dynamic procession unfolds. A central figure, clad in crimson attire, is mounted on a white horse, brandishing a spear. Flanking him are two riders atop black horses, positioned symmetrically within the composition. Further down, a group of animals – horses, bulls, and what appear to be deer or antelope – are depicted in a chaotic yet controlled manner, seemingly emerging from a low-lying green band that serves as the horizon line.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by red, green, gold, and black, contributing to an overall sense of formality and spiritual significance. The figures are presented in a flattened perspective, devoid of realistic depth or spatial relationships; this stylistic choice emphasizes their symbolic rather than representational function. Light emanates from the background, illuminating the figures and creating a halo-like effect around them.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests themes of divine authority, judgment, and perhaps the triumph over chaos. The central figure on the white horse could be interpreted as a symbol of power or leadership, while the surrounding animals might represent earthly forces being brought under control. The gold background reinforces the sense of transcendence and connection to the divine realm. The overall effect is one of solemnity, grandeur, and spiritual weight.