Monumental antique Russian icon, annual menologium of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, 18th–19th century, 50x30 in
Monumental antique Russian icon, annual menologium of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, 18th–19th century, 50x30 in.
Monumental antique Russian icon representing the Annual Menologium of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, produced in the iconographic tradition of the Old Believers of Central Russia.
This large calendar-icon depicts the saints and principal feasts of the entire Orthodox liturgical year, organised by months and major religious celebrations.
The composition is notable for its rich pict...
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Monumental antique Russian icon, annual menologium of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, 18th–19th century, 50x30 in.
Monumental antique Russian icon representing the Annual Menologium of the Orthodox liturgical calendar, produced in the iconographic tradition of the Old Believers of Central Russia.
This large calendar-icon depicts the saints and principal feasts of the entire Orthodox liturgical year, organised by months and major religious celebrations.
The composition is notable for its rich pictorial detail and numerous sacred scenes and saintly figures, identified by red and black ecclesiastical Cyrillic inscriptions.
At the centre are the sixteen Great Feasts of the Orthodox tradition, with a central double representation of the Resurrection of Christ together with the Descent into Hades (the Harrowing of Hell) and the emergence from the tomb, considered the core of the liturgical year.
Surrounding the central scene are key episodes of salvation history, including:
Trinity of the Old Testament
Nativity of the Theotokos (Birth of the Virgin)
Presentation of the Theotokos at the Temple
Annunciation
Nativity of Christ
Baptism of Jesus (Theophany)
Presentation of Christ at the Temple
Resurrection of Lazarus
Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
Doubt of St. Thomas (Incredulity of Thomas)
Ascension
Pentecost
Transfiguration
Dormition of the Theotokos (Falling Asleep of the Mother of God)
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Pokrov — the Intercession (Protection) of the Mother of God.
In the outer band, the twelve months of the liturgical year are shown, each arranged in registers with the saints and daily commemorations; each day is accompanied by ecclesiastical Cyrillic inscriptions in red and black identifying the corresponding celebrations. According to Orthodox tradition, the liturgical year begins in September, represented in the upper left corner of the icon.
A work of large scale and strong visual impact, originating from a monastic context and intimately connected to the spiritual and liturgical tradition of Russian Orthodoxy.
Title: Annual Menologium with the 16 Great Feasts.
School: Old Believers, Central Russia.
Provenance: Russian monastic environment.
Technique: egg tempera.
Support: wooden board prepared with levkas.
Dimensions: 40.9x30.7 in.
Period: 18th–19th century.