Ancient Icon 'Exaltation of the Holy Cross' 19th Century Russia, 35x31 cm

Ancient Icon 'Exaltation of the Holy Cross' 19th Century Russia 35x31 cm. This antique icon from Russia depicts the second of the major liturgical events in the Eastern Church's calendar: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Celebrated on September 14th, the feast commemorates various significant events related to Christ's Cross. These include the appearance of the Cross to Emperor Constantine before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, marking the end of persecutions and the triumph of Christianity. It also celebrates the discovery of the historic Cross by Helen, the mother of Constantine, in Jerusalem, and its ceremonial exposition by Patriarch Macarius in 326. Additionally, the festival recalls the construction of the Basilica of the Resurrection on Calvary, consecrated on September 13, 335, and the recovery of the cross relics stolen by the Persian king Khusraw II in 614, regained in 628. The central scene depicts two priests, Macarius and Eusebius, holding the large cross, while on the right, Saint Helena is shown in supplication, surrounded by worshiping faithful. This classic representation shows the exterior of the basilica in typical icon perspective, with characters depicted in traditional iconographic style. The liturgy and icon of the feast define the cross as a symbol of victory over evil and death, with the cross tree, the site of the Crucifixion, bearing eternal witness to the triumph of the Resurrection. Delivered in an elegant blue velvet box, the icon comes with an evaluation by a specialized expert. Origin: Central Russia. Technique: Egg tempera. Materials: Wood, levkas. Actual measurements: 35.2x31.4 cm. Date: Mid-19th century.