Antique Russian Icon Crucifixion Stauroteca Bronze 18th-19th Century, 55x45 cm

This antique orthodox Russian icon depicts the Calvary according to Byzantine iconography. The bronze Cross, typical of the Russian tradition, displays the Elder of Days at the top, below Christ the Savior with a halo and two angels. Jesus' body, fixed with four nails and head inclined to the right, expresses royal serenity, far from the idea of agony. Beneath the Cross, a cleft opens with Adam's skull, symbolizing universal redemption: Christ's blood bathes humanity, becoming a bridge between earth and the Kingdom of Heaven. The scene, recalling the miraculous signs narrated in the Gospels, darkness for three hours and an earthquake that opened the tombs, is completed by the figures of Mary, St. John, the Myrrh-bearing women, and the centurion Longinus, testifying the triumph of the Cross and new life in Christ. Origin: Northern Russia. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood-levkas, bronze. Measurements: 54x47 cm. Panel: 18th-19th century. The religious icon comes with an expert appraisal certifying its authenticity and explaining the depicted scenes.