Ancient Russian icon of the 16 Great Feasts and Passion Cycle, 19th century, 49x38 cm
Ancient Russian icon of the 16 Great Feasts and the Passion Cycle, 19th century, 49x38 cm. This complex Orthodox icon encloses the Passion cycle of Christ and the Great Feasts of the liturgical year, offering a theological and visual synthesis of the Christian faith. At the center of the composition is Holy Easter with the Descent into Hell, when Christ frees Adam and Eve, symbolizing the redemption of humanity and the victory over death. Around the central scene unfold the episodes of the Passi...
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Ancient Russian icon of the 16 Great Feasts and the Passion Cycle, 19th century, 49x38 cm. This complex Orthodox icon encloses the Passion cycle of Christ and the Great Feasts of the liturgical year, offering a theological and visual synthesis of the Christian faith. At the center of the composition is Holy Easter with the Descent into Hell, when Christ frees Adam and Eve, symbolizing the redemption of humanity and the victory over death. Around the central scene unfold the episodes of the Passion: Last Supper, Washing of the Feet, Prayer in the Garden, Judas' Kiss, the trials, Flagellation, Crowning with Thorns, the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), Crucifixion, Deposition and Burial, culminating in the Resurrection and the subsequent appearances.
On the outer register are depicted the 16 Great Feasts:
1 Trinity of the Old Testament
2 Birth of Mary
3 Presentation of Mary at the Temple
4 Annunciation
5 Birth of Jesus
6 Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
7 Baptism of Jesus (Theophany)
8 Transfiguration
9 Entry into Jerusalem
10 Resurrection of Lazarus
11 Ascension of Christ
12 Exaltation of the Cross
13 Beheading of St. John the Baptist
14 Joy of the Afflicted
15 Dormition of Mary
16 Trinity of the New Testament
The composition creates a continuous narration that unites the fundamental moments of the life of Christ and the Virgin, making the icon an instrument of meditation and contemplation for the faithful. Created according to tradition in egg tempera on a panel prepared with levkas, it testifies to the ancient Russian iconographic art, where every detail is charged with spiritual meaning.
Origin: Moscow – Russia.
Technique: Egg tempera.
Materials: wood, levkas.
Measurements: 49x38 cm.
Period: 19th century.