Great Russian Icon - The 12 Great Feasts - Palekh School
Artist: école De Palekh
"The 12 Great Feasts and the Descent into Hell"
Antique Russian icon
Palekh School
Late 19th century
Tempera on gold-ground panel
Dimensions (cm): 53 x 43
Excellent condition
This splendid, large-scale Russian icon is an excellent example of the most characteristic artistic production of the Palekh School, a small town northeast of Moscow that became famous for the miniature painting skills of its icon painters. The magnificent colors, warm luminosity, and exceptional precision in the depiction of details are the characteristics that made this important artistic center—specializing in icon production—famous. In fact, in addition to its remarkable size, the work is striking for the number of figures that fill it, all depicted with an incredible wealth of detail. The panels that make up this “12 Great Feasts” of the Orthodox liturgical calendar are arranged in the customary manner, depicting one of the most representative subjects of Russian iconography. The central panel, depicting the Descent of Christ into Hell, is flanked by twelve images arranged in a precise, predetermined sequence, each representing a complete and well-defined scene in the following order:
- The Nativity of the Virgin - The Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple - The Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel - The Nativity of Christ - The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple - The Baptism of Jesus - The Entry into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday - The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor with the Prophets Elijah and Moses and the Apostles Peter, James, and John - The Ascension of Christ - The Three Archangels, or the Old Testament Trinity - The Veneration of the Cross - The Dormition of the Virgin, with Christ descending to receive the soul of the Virgin Mary as a child - Finally, the central panel depicts Christ’s Descent into Hell
The panel was crafted from cedar wood, an extremely hard wood resistant to pests, as was customary for icons intended for the most important places of worship.
The icon is in excellent condition, with no restorations or repainting.
Antique Russian icon
Palekh School
Late 19th century
Tempera on gold-ground panel
Dimensions (cm): 53 x 43
Excellent condition
This splendid, large-scale Russian icon is an excellent example of the most characteristic artistic production of the Palekh School, a small town northeast of Moscow that became famous for the miniature painting skills of its icon painters. The magnificent colors, warm luminosity, and exceptional precision in the depiction of details are the characteristics that made this important artistic center—specializing in icon production—famous. In fact, in addition to its remarkable size, the work is striking for the number of figures that fill it, all depicted with an incredible wealth of detail. The panels that make up this “12 Great Feasts” of the Orthodox liturgical calendar are arranged in the customary manner, depicting one of the most representative subjects of Russian iconography. The central panel, depicting the Descent of Christ into Hell, is flanked by twelve images arranged in a precise, predetermined sequence, each representing a complete and well-defined scene in the following order:
- The Nativity of the Virgin - The Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple - The Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel - The Nativity of Christ - The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple - The Baptism of Jesus - The Entry into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday - The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor with the Prophets Elijah and Moses and the Apostles Peter, James, and John - The Ascension of Christ - The Three Archangels, or the Old Testament Trinity - The Veneration of the Cross - The Dormition of the Virgin, with Christ descending to receive the soul of the Virgin Mary as a child - Finally, the central panel depicts Christ’s Descent into Hell
The panel was crafted from cedar wood, an extremely hard wood resistant to pests, as was customary for icons intended for the most important places of worship.
The icon is in excellent condition, with no restorations or repainting.
Price negotiable - Customized payment terms
We issue a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the work’s period, provenance, and all its characteristics, drawn up by an antiquarian affiliated with FIMA (Italian Federation of Art Dealers).
Delivery in Italy and throughoutEurope within 3 days of receiving the bank transfer.
Shipping is tracked and insured, and the artwork is carefully packed in shock-resistant packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate.
2 900 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Other Style
Condition: Excellent condition
Width: 43
Height: 53
Reference (ID): 1803364
Availability: In stock
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