Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. early 20th century CE. A lovely cast-brass, three-bar cross with the crucified Christ taking central place with smaller scenes depicting scenes from his life surrounding him in low relief creating the detailed, ornate effect that is so common to Orthodox religious art. The cross has twin panels hanging down from the central bar of the cross and depicts the Virgin Mary and three saints, and five square scenes from Christ's life are placed around the upper bar flanked by symbols of the Holy Spirit. Wonderful enamel in periwinkle and cobalt hues adorn the areas surrounding the relief details. Size: 5.625" W x 8.75" H (14.3 cm x 22.2 cm).
The three-barred cross is the most symbolic and common 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 from heaven; the lower bar 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 has become Paradise," to remind us that Adam lost Paradise through forbidden knowledge, and that Christ will return us to it.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection
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#143384
Condition
Slight bending to overall form, and light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Fabulous enamel across obverse face, and fine patina throughout.