original text : (Automatic translation)
Archangel Michael Archistrategos (Voyevoda). Northern Russia, second half 17th century. The icon shows the archangel Michael with wings outspread, seated on a fiercely galloping, winged, rose red horse. This horse recalls the mythical Pegasus, whose hoofprint on Mount Helicon formed the spring of inspiration and creativity.

Michael is clad in costly armour and a red mantle that swirls vigorously in horse and rider�s wake. His feet rest on clouds. Above his crown is a rainbow whose span extends from one hand to the other. In his right hand Michael holds the closed evangelistary; in his left hand he holds the cross and the spear with which he impales the infernal Antichrist , who lies beneath his horse. The figure of this dark brown, 'fallen angel', with a second face on its belly and wings with sharp tips, is sinking beneath the dark-blue water, as is the city of Babylon. Michael is also sounding the Last Trump, to usher in the Day of Judgement. In the upper left corner, the young, still beardless figure of Christ Emmanual appears in a medallion. In Hebrew the name Emmanuel means God-(is)-with-us and was used by Isaiah (7,14; 8,8) as the Messiah's own name. This representation symbolises Christ as God's eternal Word. Before him stands an altar. The Church Slavic texts, painted in black on the border of the icon, explain the image. The image makes a dynamic, powerful impression.