Antique Russian Orthodox Bronze Crucifix with Blue Enamels, early 19th century, 27x13 cm
Antique Russian Orthodox bronze crucifix with blue enamels, early 19th century, 27 x 13.5 cm. A majestic example of Eastern European iconographic tradition, this crucifix follows the classic Russian three-barred cross model, featuring a slanted lower bar that symbolizes the "Scales of Justice": on one side the Good Thief welcomed into Paradise, on the other the Bad Thief turning away from salvation. The lower register carries a profound symbolic meaning: the fallen Old Jerusalem is contrasted wi...
Info and features
Antique Russian Orthodox bronze crucifix with blue enamels, early 19th century, 27 x 13.5 cm. A majestic example of Eastern European iconographic tradition, this crucifix follows the classic Russian three-barred cross model, featuring a slanted lower bar that symbolizes the "Scales of Justice": on one side the Good Thief welcomed into Paradise, on the other the Bad Thief turning away from salvation. The lower register carries a profound symbolic meaning: the fallen Old Jerusalem is contrasted with the New Jerusalem, while the base depicts Mount Golgotha with the skull of Adam, evoking humanity's redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Incised inscriptions recall the salvific significance of the Cross as the place where "the site of the Crucified One becomes Paradise." The blue enamels add depth and luminosity to the surface, enhancing the relief details and emphasizing the central Crucifixion scene. In the Eastern tradition Christ is represented with regal nobility, not in the agony of the Passion but in the glory of victory over death. This Orthodox crucifix serves both as a work of art and as an object of contemplation, encapsulating the mystery of salvation in an intense and symbolic representation. The piece is accompanied by an expert appraisal from an iconography specialist and is housed in an elegant blue velvet presentation case, attesting to its authenticity and collector's value.
Provenance: Moscow, Russia.
Materials: Bronze and enamels.
Dimensions: 27 x 13.5 cm.
Period: early 19th century.