**Originally Listed At $300**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A cast-bronze three-bar cross, with the crucified Christ taking central place and smaller scenes in low-relief surrounding him, creating the ornate effect that is so popular in Orthodox religious art. This cross is more finely-detailed than others, with twin panels hanging down from the side bar of the cross depicting the Virgin Mary and three saints, five square scenes from Christ's life placed around the upper bar, and those flanked by six symbols of the Holy Spirit. Areas of brilliant navy-blue and pale-white enameled inlays grace the surface with colorful decorations. Size: 10" H (25.4 cm).

The three-barred cross is the most symbolic and popular 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. This is depicted as 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 Orange County, California, USA collection

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#130274

Surface wear commensurate with age, slight bending to overall form, fading to some details and enameled inlays, with light tarnishing across most surfaces, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout. Blue and white enameled inlays still visible.