A photograph of the original of this icon just blew me away when I first saw it many years ago.  Later on I learned that the original is highly likely the oldest icon in existence since it has lived in the monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai since it was placed there by the Emperor Justinian in ca. 550AD.  It was done in encaustic (hot wax) technique.  Its colors are as bright today as when it was finished and dedicated.  My copy is done in acrylics and 23K gold leaf.  It measures ca. 11" wide by 20" tall on a 3/4" thick panel of plywood.  Completed in September 2010.