Russian Orthodox Icon – Feast Icon With Twelve Scenes – Anastasis In The Center – Russia - Icon

Dating: Late 19th century circa 1870–1880 Origin: Central Russia or Ural region Icon of the Russian Orthodox tradition, painted in tempera on a gold background, depicting in its center the Descent into Hell (Anastasis), a major theological scene of the Easter liturgy. The resurrected Christ, crowned with a halo, takes Adam and Eve by the hand to pull them out of the tomb. Around him, the prophet-kings David and Solomon, Saint John the Baptist and an assembly of righteous people, bear witness to the expectation of the Resurrection in the Old Testament. Around this central composition are displayed the Twelve Great Feasts of the Byzantine liturgical calendar, arranged in a frieze, each in a rectangular narrative frame. It depicts: the Nativity of the Virgin, her Presentation in the Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ, the Presentation in the Temple, the Baptism, the Transfiguration, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Dormition. These scenes follow a precise liturgical order, as established in Russian manuscripts and icons from the 17th century onward. The inscriptions in red Church Slavonic on a gold background identify each scene precisely. The borders are decorated with polychrome cloisonné geometric patterns, typical of late 19th-century productions, combining red, blue, green, and black on a gold background, in an ornamental vocabulary inherited from ancient manuscripts. The back of the board shows dry, slightly hollowed wood, decorated with ancient handwritten writing in pencil or ink. A few old wood-boring holes are visible, with no current activity. This synoptic icon served as much for contemplation as for domestic teaching: by bringing together the major scenes of the Christian faith, it formed a complete visual catechesis, placed in pious interiors to accompany the rhythm of the liturgical year. Condition: very good state of conservation. Minor wear to the varnish, discreet cracks, no visible restoration, slight loss on one corner Dimensions: 31 x 26 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.