Antique Russian Icon of the Twelve Feasts, gold background, 20th century, 12x10 in

Antique Russian Icon of the Twelve Feasts, gold background, 20th century, 12x10 in.

Antique Russian icon depicting the Twelve Feasts proclaiming the faith of the Church. Iconographic representations serving as a continuous liturgical-biblical catechesis for the faithful. Among the fixed-date celebrations are the Nativity of Mary (September 8), the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14), the Holy Week commencement, the Ascension, and the Pentecost.

From the 18th century onwards, especially in Russia, iconographic compositions emerged uniting the cycle of twelve feasts in a single portrayal pivoting around Easter, symbolising the theological significance.

The twelve feasts encompass: the Nativity of Mary, the Presentation of Mary at the Temple, the Nativity of Jesus, the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, the Baptism of Christ, the Palm Sunday, the Transfiguration of Jesus, the Holy Trinity, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Ascension of Christ, the Pentecost, and the Dormition of Mary.

The central scene, portraying the Easter message, features: Christ’s descent into Hell, the procession of the blessed to Paradise led by the good thief, Christ’s Resurrection, and the appearance at Lake Tiberias.

The linden wood panel is well-preserved.

Delivered with an elegant velvet case and an evaluation by a specialised expert.

Origin: Moscow, Russia.

Technique: egg tempera.

Materials: wood, levkas.

Actual measurements: 12.1x10.4 in.

Era: early 20th century.