Antique Russian icon of the Sixteen Great Feasts, 19th century, 18x15 in, restored

Antique Russian icon of the Sixteen Great Feasts, 19th century, 18x15 in, restored. The icon depicts the 16 Great Feasts that constitute the announcement of the Christian faith.

From the 18th century, especially in Russia, some iconographic schemes grouped the cycle of the sixteen Feasts in a single representation, revolving around Easter, considered as the "mother of all feasts" and placed at the centre. Starting from the top left, the icon shows the Nativity of the Theotokos, her presentation at the temple, the New Testament Trinity, leading to the scene of the Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel and concluding with the Nativity of Jesus. Moving on, the following scenes depict the presentation of Jesus at the temple, His Baptism by John the Baptist, the entry into Jerusalem, and the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. The second-to-last row features on the left the Ascension and on the right the resurrection of Lazarus. Finally, the last register shows the ascent to heaven of the prophet Elijah, the Joy of all the afflicted, leading to the Exaltation of the Cross through the Old Testament Trinity and the Dormition of Mary. In the centre, there is the representation of Easter, including the descent of Christ into hell, the procession of the blessed to paradise (where the good thief is seen at the gate), the Lord's resurrection from the tomb, and His appearance at Lake Tiberias. At the far ends of the icon, the four Evangelists are depicted. Subject: Sixteen Great Feasts of the liturgical year Origin: Moscow, Russia Technique: egg tempera Materials: wood, levkas Period: 19th century Restoration date: 21st century Dimensions: 17.7x15x1.2 in. The icon is shipped with a protective case and an expert's appraisal.