30 - Paschal Anastasis (flanked by the Mother of God, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, monastic saints, and the Unmercenary Physician-Princes, with a Deesis) - 19th century

Paschal Anastasis (flanked by the Mother of God, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, monastic saints, and the Unmercenary Physician-Princes, with a Deesis) - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 45 x 38.5 cm This exquisite work, created for private devotion, represents an elaborate synthesis of Orthodox theology, liturgy, and hagiography. The pictorial space is organized around a grand central vertical axis dedicated to the heart of Eastern liturgy—the Paschal Mystery. At the very top, the composition is crowned by the New Testament Trinity (Otečestvo), set amidst angelic choirs and mystical clouds; it extends downward, linking the Resurrection of Christ from the Tomb (featuring the Savior within a mandorla of light) to the monumental Descent into Hell (*Anastasis*), where the risen Christ tramples the shattered gates of Hades to rescue Adam and Eve, while on the right, the righteous and the redeemed are led by the Good Thief, Dismas, toward the gates of Paradise. A carefully arranged assembly of heavenly intercessors and protectors occupies the four corners and side panels: the half-length figure of the Mother of God appears in the upper left, while the figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra—clad in sumptuous episcopal vestments and holding an open Gospel book—serves as a precise counterpoint in the upper right. The middle registers feature a group of four ascetic saints and monks on the left (including revered Russian monastic fathers depicted in prayerful, contemplative poses), while four other saints stand out on the right; two of whom—clad in royal robes, crowns, and ermine-trimmed mantles—are iconographically identifiable as the Holy Princes Boris and Gleb, the first martyrs of the Russian land. The lower register is entirely occupied by a majestic, monumental Deesis structured into three adjacent, equally sized compartments: on the left, the Virgin Mary intercedes, holding out an unrolled scroll; in the center sits Christ, King of Kings and High Priest, in the act of blessing while holding an open book; to the right, Saint John the Baptist—the Forerunner—displays an unfurled scroll bearing a call to repentance. Stylistically, the panel is distinguished by extraordinary mastery of painterly calligraphy and the meticulous execution characteristic of the late imperial style, capable of handling a dense array of miniaturized figures without sacrificing dramatic clarity; the elongated anatomical forms, the refined tonal modulation of the faces, and the complex layering of planes demonstrate a sophisticated assimilation of Western academic art, all while maintaining absolute adherence to Eastern iconographic canons. The color palette is exceptionally rich and vibrant, dominated by the golden background that—through contrast—enhances the deep hues of the Deesis figures’ robes and the brilliant touches of cinnabar red, azure blue, and malachite green in the central scenes. 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. There are some color losses and restorations.