The artwork, titled “Archangel Sychail, trampling twelve Shakers in the presence of Saints Sisinius and Maron,” was created by Orthodox Icons around the year 1850. This piece belongs to the genre of icon art and is part of the artwork series named “Angels and Ethereal Powers.”
The artwork depicts the Archangel Sychail with wings extended and adorned in intricate robes, symbolizing divine authority. He is seen trampling twelve figures, identified as Shakers, beneath his feet, symbolizing their defeat or subjugation. To the side, Saints Sisinius and Maron stand in reverent observation. Saints Sisinius is portrayed with a bishop’s attire including a mitre and staff, while Saint Maron is shown in more simplistic clerical garb. The background exhibits a golden-hued terrain, highlighting the heavenly context, while the subdued color palette of the Shakers and their cave-like enclosure further emphasizes their lower, subdued state. The entire composition exudes a sense of celestial dominion and triumph over earthly or heretical challenges.
