Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th century CE. A finely painted icon delineated in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on linen on wood presenting a central depiction of Resurrection and the Anastasis (the Harrowing of Hell) - showing at the bottom center Christ holding the Cross, resurrected and breaking down the doors of hell, holding Adam's hand with Eve kneeling in her tomb (Adam and Eve being the first progenitors), another women kneeling before him, kings (David and Solomon) and prophets from the Old Testament; to the risen Christ's left we see Jesus who has broken into the prison of Hades (weapon in his hand) and is letting the prisoners out. At the lower left corner is a monster with an open mouth representing the Jaws of Hell/Hades. A very special icon commemorating the Harrowing of Hades which is annually celebrated on Holy and Great Saturday - the central image surrounded by 12 scenes from the Old and New Testament describing the dodekaorton, the 12 great feasts of the liturgical year. Size: 12.25" L x 10.5" W (31.1 cm x 26.7 cm)

In the Orthodox tradition, the precise moment when Christ emerges from the sepulchre is not depicted; rather, he is shown already resurrected, ripping the doors of hell from their hinges. John of Damascus offers the following textual context, "His flesh was as bait thrown into the arms of death, so that the dragon of hell, hoping to devour it, would instead vomit up those he had already devoured."

This icon most likely was kept in someone's home. According to Jeanne Marie Warzeski, scholar and curator of the North Carolina Museum of History's "Windows into Heaven" exhibition, "In the early Byzantine Empire, the home became the primary base for the development of icon veneration. Throughout the ensuing centuries, icons continued to receive honor in homes and churches. To this day, many Orthodox Christians create for prayer and meditation in their home a krasny ugol, or "beautiful corner," where family icons are placed. Guests entering a house customarily honor the icons in the corner by crossing themselves before the objects. An oil lamp is set near the icons and is lit daily, according to Orthodox tradition."

Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#122484

Losses to corners, especially the lower right corner. Expected surface wear with pigment/ gilt wear/losses and areas of possible touch up. Back slats and inscription on verso