Pectoral cross depicting the Crucifixion, 19th century

Bronze casting

Height × width: 12 × 6 cm Weight: 57.6 g.

Accompanied at the bottom by the scene of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ, at the top by the Hospitality of Abraham, and on the sides by four other figures, likely the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, and the centurion Longinus. The surface of the object appears particularly polished, as the Old Believers considered tarnish (oxidation, darkening) a sign of corruption and wished metal icons to remain bright. When an icon began to oxidize, it was sufficient to rub it quickly with a cloth, sometimes lightly sprinkled with chalk, sand, ash, or brick dust, to immediately restore its original brilliance.