214 - ICON OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND THE DESCENT INTO HELL WITH THE TWELVE GREAT FEASTS. RUSSIA, MID-19TH CENTURY.

ICON OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND THE DESCENT INTO HELL WITH THE TWELVE GREAT FEASTS. RUSSIA, MID-19TH CENTURY. An impressive multi-register Russian icon dating from the mid-19th century, combining the central Paschal composition of the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell with a cycle of the Twelve Great Feasts. Painted in tempera on gesso on a wooden panel with a recessed central field, the icon is framed by broad gold-ground borders bearing inscriptions in cinnabar, lending the work a solemn and monumental character. At the centre is an elaborate representation of the Resurrection of Christ incorporating two interconnected iconographic subjects. In the upper section, Christ is shown risen from the tomb within a radiant mandorla, while below He is depicted descending into Hell, trampling the gates of Hades and raising the Forefathers. The composition is populated by numerous prophets, righteous figures, angels and saints arranged within a complex, multi-tiered narrative structure. The central image is surrounded by twelve feast scenes depicting the principal events of the Gospel and liturgical calendar: the Nativity of the Mother of God, the Presentation of the Mother of God in the Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, the Baptism of Christ, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Transfiguration, the Ascension, the Holy Trinity, the Exaltation of the True Cross and the Dormition of the Mother of God. The finely detailed miniature painting is distinguished by the careful rendering of architectural settings, stylised rocky landscapes, garments and numerous figures. The palette is composed of saturated reds, greens, ochres and browns, enriched by extensive use of gold. The architecturally ordered arrangement of the individual scenes, delicate draughtsmanship and abundance of explanatory inscriptions create a coherent theological and pictorial cycle. Material: Wood, gesso, tempera, gilding. Dimensions: 72 × 52 cm. Condition: Very good. Unrestored. The painted surface, gilding and inscriptions retain a high degree of preservation. Minor natural traces of age are consistent with the period of the work. Width: 52cm, Height: 72cm, Depth: 7cm, Weight: 15kg, Condition: Very good, Material: Canvas, ID: ID-ANTQ-16563