Archangel Michael; mid-19 century; the Church of Archangel Michael in Osikovitsa, Botevgrad region; tempera on wood, 91 x 60 cm., National History Museum.

The icon was entirely and roughly over-painted and only after the upper layer was taken away that a fine work of the Tryavna school was revealed. The icon has a painted red frame. The background is dark blue with pink-highlighted clouds above, am9ng which is the inscription of the Saint's name in Bulgarian. The inscription on the unrolled scroll which Archangel Michael is holding is also in Bulgarian. The icon was a patron one, from the imperial row of the iconostasis. The icon shows the Archstrategos Michael - "captain of the heavenly host". Archangel Michael is depicted in full face, waist-length, holding the typical sword. He is dressed in full military garb, painted after West European models, with a red chlamides, lined with green. Ample gilt decoration adorns his military attire. The manner of painting the Archangel's wings is quite noteworthy - starting from dark blue, almost black, through brown, then pink which recedes to snowy white. The individual color belts are graphically outlined, which highness the abruptness of change. (Similar technique is used in painting the wings of the Annunciation angel in the Boyana Church of 1259). The figure is static, solemn and calm, monolithic, awe-inspiring. Colouring is bright, warm, in the typical Tryavna tones and the dominance of gilt and red and Baroque details heighten the icon's aura of festivity and ceremoniousness. Strong, clear colours are used in juxtaposition.