Antique 19th-century Russian Orthodox bronze crucifix with enamel, 6x4 in
Antique 19th-century Russian Orthodox bronze crucifix with enamel, 6x4 in.
A typical Russian Orthodox crucifix in bronze with enamels, characterised by the distinctive three-bar structure, the lowest bar strongly slanted — a symbol of the “scales of justice”: on one side the Good Thief welcomed into Paradise, on the other the impenitent thief turning away from salvation.
The lower register presents symbolic elements associated with earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem, while at the base Mount G...
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Antique 19th-century Russian Orthodox bronze crucifix with enamel, 6x4 in.
A typical Russian Orthodox crucifix in bronze with enamels, characterised by the distinctive three-bar structure, the lowest bar strongly slanted — a symbol of the “scales of justice”: on one side the Good Thief welcomed into Paradise, on the other the impenitent thief turning away from salvation.
The lower register presents symbolic elements associated with earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem, while at the base Mount Golgotha is depicted with Adam’s skull, a clear reference to humanity’s redemption through Christ’s sacrifice. The engraved inscriptions recall the salvific meaning of the Cross, where “the place of the Crucified becomes Paradise”.
The iconography is particularly rich: alongside the central Crucifixion are Gospel scenes such as the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, the Entry into Jerusalem and the Trinity, all finely modelled in relief and enriched by decorative motifs and enamel that lend luminosity to the composition.
According to the Eastern tradition, Christ is shown with regal nobility — not in the agony of the Passion but in the glory of victory over death — making this crucifix a powerful instrument for contemplation of the mysteries of the Christian faith.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Materials: bronze and enamels.
Dimensions: 6.3x4.1 in.
Period: 19th century.