Lot 124A
Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A stunning and iconographically complex icon inset with a cast-bronze crucifix in the center that is surrounded by a hand-painted egg tempera and gold leaf composition, the painted composition featuring the deposition of Christ at the upper left, the Entombment at the upper right, and flanking Jesus on the cross, Mary Magdalen or Mary of Cleophas supporting the grieving Virgin on the left and John with another figure, possibly the centurion Longinus, on the right. The three smaller figures behind are likely patron saints of the person or church that commissioned the icon. The Russian Orthodox brass cross presents an extensive depiction of the crucifixion of the Son of God. Above this is the King of Glory flanked by a pair of angels, below a skull representing Golgotha or Skull Hill, the location where Adam was reportedly buried and Christ was crucified. Traces of sky blue, royal blue, and white enamel remain in the recessed areas. Size: 12.25" L x 10.375" W (31.1 cm x 26.4 cm)
The brass three bar cross, with the crucified Christ and smaller scenes in low relief detail surrounding him take the central place of this icon, resulting in a beautiful, ornate effect characteristic of Orthodox religious art. The three-barred cross is the most popular symbol in the Orthodox Church. The short topmost bar represents the sign reading "This is the King of the Jews" from Luke 23:38 that was nailed to the top of Christ's cross; the short bottom-most bar represents the foot rest on Christ's cross - slanted because it is believed that, in Christ's final moments, he kicked it out of place. The right side points upward to Heaven and the left side points downward to Hell. Here, the uppermost bar contains a scene of heaven; the lower bar shows a scene on earth. At the bottom of the cross is a skull which represents the skull of Adam, and below his feet are four letters meaning, "The place of the skull became Paradise", to remind us that Adam lost Paradise through forbidden knowledge, and Christ will return us to it.
Provenance: private E. G. collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#125282
- Condition: Expected surface wear with small losses to corners, areas surrounding the Crucifix, and scuffs/scratches here and there on the remainder. A few old nails were inserted to secure the Crucifix at some point. Back slats are present on verso.
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