Russian Art, 18th Century. Bronze Travel Cross With Crucifixion And Saints

Russian Art, 18th Century
Travel Cross with Crucifixion and Saints

Cast, chiseled, and gilded bronze
17 x 11 cm

Russian Orthodox travel cross (blagoslovlyayushchy krest), intended for liturgical use or private devotion. The rectangular shape of the arms and the stepped lower panel are characteristic of Russian metalwork from the Muscovite and Ural traditions between the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Crucifixion dominates the center, with Christ's vigorous and sculptural form. The title ІС ХС (Jesus Christ) is engraved on the sides of the horizontal arm, accompanied by liturgical inscriptions in Church Slavonic. At the top, within a shaped frame, is a depiction of Christ in Glory among the Seraphim; on the sides, angels with the instruments of the Passion. The lower side panels feature a group of female saints in mourning poses on the left, and military saints in armor on the right. The panel at the base depicts Golgotha ​​with Adam's skull, a symbol of universal redemption.

The bronze casting is of good quality, with well-defined reliefs and a beaded border around the entire perimeter. The partially oxidized fire-gilding gives the object the patina typical of authentic period pieces. The sculptured figure of Christ is influenced by the Byzantine iconographic tradition filtered through the Russian-Muscovite school.

The state of preservation is very good. The patina is consistent with its age.