Antique Russian Crucifixion staurotheke icon, 19th century, 15x14 in
Antique Russian Crucifixion staurotheke icon, 19th century, 15x14 in.
This icon depicts the Calvary in the classic Byzantine iconography. In the centre stands a typical Russian bronze cross, surmounted by the Ancient of Days, with the Saviour Christ haloed underneath alongside two angels. Jesus' body, fixed with four nails and his head inclined to the right, exudes noble serenity, without the signs of agony.
At the base of the cross is a fissure with Adam's skull, symbolising universal redemption...
Info and features
Antique Russian Crucifixion staurotheke icon, 19th century, 15x14 in.
This icon depicts the Calvary in the classic Byzantine iconography. In the centre stands a typical Russian bronze cross, surmounted by the Ancient of Days, with the Saviour Christ haloed underneath alongside two angels. Jesus' body, fixed with four nails and his head inclined to the right, exudes noble serenity, without the signs of agony.
At the base of the cross is a fissure with Adam's skull, symbolising universal redemption: Christ's blood, the new Adam, unites the earth with the Kingdom of Heaven. In the background, the Old Jerusalem in decline and the New Jerusalem rising.
The scene recalls the wonders recounted in the Gospels, three hours of darkness, an earthquake, and the resurrection of many saints, including the figures of the Mother of God, Saint John, the centurion Longinus, and the Myrrh-bearing women, along with four saints at the edges, completing the message of faith and victory over death.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera.
Materials: wood-levkas, bronze.
Measures: 15.2x13.1 in.
Board: early 19th century.
The icon will be delivered in an elegant blue velvet case lined with satin, accompanied by an expert report certifying its authenticity and detailing the iconographic details.