Crucifixion of Christ surmounted by the Archangel Michael, Saint John the Evangelist in silence and the Holy Trinity, 19th century

Egg tempera on panel

Height x width: 53.5 x 43 cm

Russian icon featuring the Crucifixion of Christ, surmounted by the Archangel Michael, Saint John the Evangelist in Silence, and the Holy Trinity. This significant and theologically complex Russian icon—executed in egg tempera on wood and dating to the first half of the 19th century—is an extraordinary example of a devotional composition arranged in superimposed registers, enriched by rare, mystical details. The panel is strictly divided into two main registers. In the upper register, two imposing, hieratic celestial figures appear in half-length: on the left, the Archangel Michael (Svjatyj Archangel Michail)—explicitly identified by a calligraphic inscription along the margin ("СТЫЙ АРХ МИХАИЛЪ")—is depicted with his right hand held to his chest in a gesture of devotion, while his left hand supports a transparent clipeus (medallion) bearing the monogram of Christ. To the right stands the monumental figure of Saint John the Evangelist in Silence (Svjatyj Ioann Bogoslov), captured in a state of profound, meditative contemplation; he holds his fingers to his lips while pointing toward the open pages of his Gospel, accompanied at his shoulder by an inspiring angel who whispers the Divine Word to him. At the very center of the upper margin, emerging from within an almond-shaped cluster of dark clouds, is a theophany of the Old Testament Holy Trinity (Otečestvo, or "Paternity"): God the Father holds an orb, with Christ Emmanuel resting on His lap and the Holy Spirit appearing in the form of a dove. The lower register is entirely occupied by a solemn and richly detailed depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ (Raspiatie), the vertical axis of which is anchored upon the rock of Golgotha, which contains the skull of Adam. Flanking the Savior on the cross—arranged symmetrically against an ochre-gold background that bears the faint silhouettes of a fortified citadel—are six figures, their postures expressing profound grief and intercessory prayer. On the left, one can discern the weeping Marys, accompanied by a standing, winged angel (either a guardian angel or an archangel acting as a messenger); on the right, the figures stand out: Saint John the Evangelist, a warrior saint, and an ascetic monk saint holding an unrolled scroll.

Provenance:
H.E. Most Rev. Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus.

€ 600,00 / 900,00

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€ 400,00

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