The proceeds from this sale are for the Sister Mura Foundation in Johannesburg to help HIV+ refugees. www.sistermurafoundation.org.za A pair of fragments of the Royal Door of a Church Iconostasis depicting the Annunciation. Central Russia, 17th century. The left panel ( 36 x 22 cm) depicts the Archangel Gabriel holding a messengers staff and having his hand in a speakers pose. Behind him medieval Russian architecture depicting the house of the Virgin. On the right panel ( 36 x 18 cm,) the Holy Virgin holding a spinning instrument, standing for a throne with a red & blue cushion, symbols for the earthly origin of the Virgin and her heavenly dignity after her earthly life. In the Stalin time 90% of Russia's Churches were closed. The faithfull must have cut these panels out of a pair of Royal Doors to save them from destruction.