Russian Orthodox Cross, 19th Century.

Important and beautiful Russian Orthodox cross in gilded and enamelled bronze dating from the 19th century. Private collection. In perfect condition. Dimensions: h.36 cm x l.18.5 cm. The Orthodox cross is a variant of the Christian cross, the religious symbol of Christianity. It retains the shape while adding a small horizontal bar (called a crossbar) above the main one, in order to represent the sign hung on the orders of Pontius Pilate and a short additional crossbar at an angle near its base, representing the support of Christ's feet. The orientation of this footrest differs according to traditions. According to Russian Orthodox custom, the crossbar is leaning to the right, in the direction of the Bad Thief, thus pointing in the direction of Hell, the Good Thief being raised to Paradise and located to the right of Christ. In other churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church, the footrest remains upright.