Antique Russian icon, Sixteen Great Feasts and Passion Cycle, 19th century, 19x15 in
Antique Russian icon, Sixteen Great Feasts and Passion Cycle, 19th century, 19x15 in.
This complex icon contains the Passion cycle of Christ and the Great Feasts of the liturgical year, offering a theological and visual synthesis of the Christian faith. At the centre of the composition is Easter, with the Descent into Hell, the moment in which Christ frees Adam and Eve, a symbol of humanity's redemption and the victory over death.
Surrounding the central scene are the episodes of the Passion: the ...
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Antique Russian icon, Sixteen Great Feasts and Passion Cycle, 19th century, 19x15 in.
This complex icon contains the Passion cycle of Christ and the Great Feasts of the liturgical year, offering a theological and visual synthesis of the Christian faith. At the centre of the composition is Easter, with the Descent into Hell, the moment in which Christ frees Adam and Eve, a symbol of humanity's redemption and the victory over death.
Surrounding the central scene are the episodes of the Passion: the Last Supper, the Washing of the Feet, the Prayer in the Garden, Judas' Kiss, the trials, the Flagellation, the Crowning with Thorns, the Way of the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Deposition and Entombment, culminating in the Resurrection and the subsequent appearances.
In the outermost register are depicted the Sixteen Great Feasts: Trinity of the Old Testament; Nativity of the Theotokos (Birth of Mary); Trinity of the New Testament; Presentation of the Theotokos at the Temple; Annunciation; Nativity of Jesus; Presentation of Jesus at the Temple; Baptism of the Lord; Transfiguration; Entry into Jerusalem; Resurrection of Lazarus; Ascension of Christ; Beheading of Saint John the Baptist; Joy of All Who Sorrow; Exaltation of the Cross; Dormition of the Theotokos.
The whole ensemble creates a continuous narrative that unites the fundamental moments of the lives of Christ and the Virgin, making the icon an instrument of meditation and contemplation for the faithful.
Executed according to tradition in egg tempera on a wood panel prepared with levkas, this painting testifies to the ancient Russian iconographic art, where every detail is charged with spiritual meaning.
Origin: Moscow, Russia.
Technique: egg tempera.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Measurements: 19.3x15 in.
Period: 19th century.