The Resurrection of Christ and the Twelve Great Feasts (Dodekaorton), 19th century

Egg tempera on panel

Height x width: 44.5 x 35 cm

At its center, the work depicts the principal scene of Orthodox Easter, structured according to the traditional Slavic dual iconography that combines the Anastasis (the Descent into Hell and the liberation of Adam and Eve from the shattered gates of Hades) with the Resurrection of Christ rising in glory from the tomb. Surrounding this central core—symmetrically arranged in twelve peripheral panels separated by gilded bands bearing identifying inscriptions in Cyrillic script—is the cycle of the twelve Great Feasts of the Byzantine liturgical year. The narrative sequence encompasses the fundamental feasts of the Savior and the Mother of God central to the history of salvation; recognizable among them are the Nativity of the Virgin, the Presentation in the Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ, the Baptism in the Jordan (Theophany), the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Crucifixion, the Ascension into Heaven, Pentecost (the Descent of the Holy Spirit), and the Dormition of the Mother of God (Uspenie). The surface is embellished with a peripheral basma—a luxurious decorative border imitating workshop-crafted metalwork—adorned with stylized geometric patterns that elegantly frame the individual sacred scenes.