An atmospheric antique 19th century oil on canvas of a priest of the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition (possibly Russian). The priest has his right hand raised in the gesture of blessing. He wears the garb of a priest: a bulbous crown on his head called a mitre, and the pectoral cross and oval-shaped medallion on chains around his neck. Of particular interest is the staff (crozier) he holds in his left hand. It indicates that he is a shepherd of Christ’s flock, and is usually only held by a bishop or an abbot of a monastery.The portrait is unsigned so the artist is unknown. The painting is in original condition and has some age related crazing to the surface.