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

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 depicting 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—painted 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 pressed to his chest in a gesture of devotion, while his left hand holds 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 to the rock of Golgotha, which contains the skull of Adam. Flanking the Savior on the cross—arranged symmetrically against an ochre-gold background bearing 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. H.E. Most Rev. Francisco-Javier Lozano Sebastián, Titular Archbishop of Penafiel and Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus. Item condition rating: **** good. The lot is in good condition, with normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time. Some color loss.