Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. Beautifully delineated in egg tempera and gold leaf on gesso on wood, an icon depicting the Harrowing of Hell, Christ's triumphant descent into Hell between the Crucifixion and Resurrection, when he brought salvation to all of the righteous dead. In this depiction, Christ stands in the center, wearing long white robes outlined in red with a gilt halo framing his visage, as he wrests the primogenitors, Adam and Eve, up from the doors of Hell which he has ripped from their hinges. Surrounding them are the souls of the righteous. The four-letter Christogram IC XC - a traditional Greek abbreviation used in Eastern Christianity flanks Christ, and there is a Greek inscription above the scene. Gilding: 41% gold. Size: 14.625" L x 11.3" W (37.1 cm x 28.7 cm)
Rather than presenting Christ emerging from his sepulcher, He is depicted as already resurrected and breaking down he doors of hell. "His flesh was as hair 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." (John of Damascus)
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 New Jersey, USA collection
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#161916
Condition
Expected age cracks and surface wear with scuffs, nicks, and some loss to pigmentation as shown. Back slats are present on the verso.