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Russia, Moscow, late 19th century (pre-1890) 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, gilded, and enameled 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 and Mary of Cleophas supporting the grieving Virgin on the left and John with another figure, possibly the centurion Longinus, on the right. 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. Adding further interest is the beautiful gilded and faux enamel border presenting Russian strapwork designs as well as floral enamels at each corner and at the mid-section of the right and left borders. Size: 14.125" L x 12.375" W (35.9 cm x 31.4 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 symbolic shape 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: Ex-private Ventura County, CA collection acquired prior to 1990

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#121172

Areas of expected surface wear with losses to painted and gilded surfaces as shown. Brass cross is excellent with expected age wear. Back slats which were only used on pre-1890 Russian icons are intact.