Russian Icon 'Exaltation of the Cross' 19th Century, 35x30 cm

Ancient Russian icon depicting the 'Exaltation of the Holy Cross' celebration. This artwork represents the second major liturgical event in the Eastern Church's calendar, starting on September 1 and celebrated on September 14. The feast commemorates various events related to Christ's Cross: the appearance of the Cross to Emperor Constantine before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, marking the end of persecutions and the victory of Christianity; the discovery of the historic Cross by Helen, mother of Constantine, in Jerusalem, and its ceremonial exposition by Patriarch Macarius in 326; the consecration of the Basilica of the Resurrection on Calvary on September 13, 335; and the recovery of the stolen relics by the Persians in 614. In the center of the icon, priests Macarius and Eusebius hold the large cross, while Saint Helena is shown in supplication on the right, surrounded by worshiping faithful. The setting of the basilica is depicted in typical icon perspective, with characters represented in the classic style of icons. The liturgy and icon of the feast symbolize the cross as a victory over evil and death, with the cross tree bearing witness to the triumph of the Resurrection. Delivered with a blue velvet box and appraisal by a specialized expert. Origin: Northern Russia. Technique: egg tempera. Materials: wood, levkas. Actual measurements: 35.5x30.7 cm. Date: early 19th century.