Icon Of The Ascension Of Christ. Russia, Moscow School, 19th Century

A 19th-century Russian Orthodox icon depicting the Ascension of Christ, created in the tradition of the Moscow iconographic school. The image depicts one of the major episodes in Orthodox art—the Ascension of Jesus Christ, marking the fulfillment of His earthly mission and symbolizing His divine glorification.

The composition follows the canonical two-register scheme characteristic of traditional depictions of the Feast of the Ascension. In the upper register, Christ is depicted in glory, seated in a luminous mandorla supported by angels. The Savior wears a chiton and a himation in rich shades of red and green, traditionally expressing the union of His human nature and His divine majesty.

In the lower register, the central position is occupied by the Virgin Mary, depicted facing forward and motionless as a symbol of the Church and the steadfastness of the faith. On either side are angels dressed in white, addressing the Apostles and pointing to the heavenly event. Christ’s disciples are depicted in a state of deep spiritual contemplation as they witness the miracle of the Ascension.

The icon is distinguished by the refined rendering of the faces, the balance of the composition, and the richness of the color palette—characteristics of 19th-century Russian iconography. The gilded background and halos reinforce the sacred nature of the image by creating an impression of inner light. The upper portion bears a traditional inscription in Church Slavonic written in cinnabar: “The Ascension of Christ.”

Inscription: Inscription in Church Slavonic reading “The Ascension of Christ” in the upper part of the icon.

Dimensions: Height 40 cm, width 44 cm.

Condition: Good condition. Slight signs of aging consistent with the work’s age. The paint layer retains all the expressiveness of the composition as well as its original decorative richness.