Antique Russian Icon Christ's Descent into Hell, mid-18th century, 31x26 cm
Antique Russian icon depicting Christ's Descent into Hell, originating from northern Russia and datable to the mid-18th century. The religious icon measures 31.8 x 26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas. The scene illustrates a central theme of Orthodox theology: Christ descends into Hell, breaks the power of death and frees the souls of the righteous. At the center Christ appears in a luminous garment, seizing Adam's hand and lifting him from the darkness — a gesture that expr...
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Antique Russian icon depicting Christ's Descent into Hell, originating from northern Russia and datable to the mid-18th century. The religious icon measures 31.8 x 26 cm and is executed in egg tempera on wood with levkas. The scene illustrates a central theme of Orthodox theology: Christ descends into Hell, breaks the power of death and frees the souls of the righteous. At the center Christ appears in a luminous garment, seizing Adam's hand and lifting him from the darkness — a gesture that expresses the redemption of all humanity. On either side appear Adam and Eve, following a frequently symmetrical composition. Eve is traditionally shown with her hands covered as a sign of worship, while Adam is depicted kneeling and wrapped in a broad cloak. The movement by which Christ draws him toward Himself makes visible the saving significance of the episode.
From the 18th century, particularly in Russia, this iconography assumed a prominent role in cycles dedicated to the great feasts, often taking the central place as an image of Pascha, understood as the fulfillment and synthesis of the Christian mystery.
The depiction of the broken rock and the descent into the earth's depths symbolically recalls Christ's victory over evil, sin and death, transforming the icon into a powerful image of hope and resurrection. The Orthodox icon is delivered with an expert appraisal and a velvet case that complete its documentation and presentation.
Provenance: northern Russia. Era: mid-18th century. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood and levkas. Dimensions: 31.8 x 26 cm. Subject: Christ's Descent into Hell. Accompaniment: expert appraisal and velvet case.