An antique Russian Orthodox icon representing St. John the Theologian in Silence. Mixed media painting: egg tempera, gesso, and levkas on a wood board, gilt background. Saint is represented pointing to his mouth in a symbol of silence, with an angel whispering the Gospel into Johns ear on his shoulder. Saints are depicted on both sides. Handwritten inscription in Church Slavonic to the center left and in the upper part. Circa: the second half of the 18th century. Antique Russian Orthodox Icons And Religious Collectibles.