Russian icon, probably from Novgorod, 19th century.
"Last Judgement".
Tempera on panel.
In a good state of conservation, although it presents dirt, lack of paint and craquelure.
Measurements: 107 x 70 cm.
The Last Judgment represents images of the end of the world, the last judgment for all mankind, the resurrection of the dead, scenes of hellish torment and heavenly bliss.
The origins of the representation of the Last Judgment date back to the 4th century, to the paintings of the proto-Christian catacombs. This iconographic scene a priori existed only in the form of frescoes, decorating the walls of the first medieval Russian churches. The first icons of the Last Judgment appear around the 15th century, the period to which the present icon can be attributed, both for its size and stylistic qualities.
Its composition is based on the mirage, that is to say, that it should be contemplated as if one were inside, likewise the right of Christ is the left of the spectator and vice versa, since traditionally the right side of Christ means the good and there the most important characters are represented, while on the left the sinners are represented. In the central upper register appears Pantocrator with the mystical mandorla. Around it are the most important characters: the Mother of God on the right, and St. John the Baptist on the left. In front of them are Adam and Eve, dressed in red. On each side of this central composition are the apostles, six on each side. Above this central composition are the angels holding the heavenly scroll, marked by the moon and the sun, and symbolizing the end of the world.
In the register just below the central Deesis are the two rows of believers awaiting judgment. To the right of Christ are the virtuous, and to the left the sinful. In some cases the latter are accompanied by inscriptions with different nationalities: the Germans, the Hellenians, the Poles, etc. The icon of interest lacks these inscriptions, but it is evident that these are characters dressed in different clothes, which indicates the deep knowledge of the painter. The rows are divided by the throne, on which are the mantle of Christ, the cross, the instruments of the Passion and the open "book of being", in which are written all the words and deeds of mortals. Just below the throne is the scales of justice.
The most intense and complex composition is found in the lower register of the icon. In the lower left part (in relation to Christ) is a complex triple scene "The earth and the sea deliver up the dead", "The vision of the prophet Daniel" and the compositions of Heaven and Hell. The earth is represented as a dark circle, in whose personification stands its personification, a half-naked woman, surrounded by figures of resurrected people, rising from the earth. Beasts, birds and reptiles spit out those they have devoured.
In the lower right part is the representation of paradise, represented in this case in the form of the Mother of God seated on the throne, surrounded by various characters of the New Testament.
In the scenes of the Last Judgment, special attention is given to the images of hell. Here, hell is represented as a fiery den, with a terrible monstrous animal, on which Satan sits, with the soul of Judas in his hands. In the flames burn sinners, tormented by demons. From the fiery mouth of the infernal beast, a long twisted serpent comes out, representing sin, and it climbs up to Adam's feet, symbolizing the initial sin.
The complexity, aesthetic and compositional characteristics elevate this great masterpiece of Russian medieval art to museum level.