43 - Trinity of the New Testament (Novozavetnaya Troitsa) - 19th century

Trinity of the New Testament (Novozavetnaya Troitsa) - 19th century Egg tempera on panel Height x width: 35.5 x 30.5 cm The theological and visual focal point is set within a large, dark, circular mandorla—a symbol of the divine mystery and the cosmos—which encompasses the manifestation of the three Divine Persons as described in the New Testament. On the left sits Jesus Christ, the Son, draped in royal robes and bearing the marks of the Passion; on the right sits God the Father, the “Ancient of Days,” depicted in immaculate white garments and wearing a royal tiara. At the center, enclosed within a halo of light or hovering above the altar of the throne, is the dove of the Holy Spirit. Surrounding this central theophany is a dense assembly of celestial and earthly figures, arranged across several symmetrical registers. In the upper section, arching over the mandorla, throngs of archangels and seraphim gather in adoration, while on either side of the sphere stand prophets and saints from the Old Testament, holding unfurled scrolls inscribed with prophecies concerning the Incarnation of the Logos. In the lower register, at the foot of the divine throne, stand four imposing, full-length angelic figures—among them, on the left, an archangel in military attire, reminiscent of Saint Michael—flanked by smaller figures of devotees or children who gaze toward the viewer, serving as witnesses to the celestial liturgy. At the very center of the base, set within an oval golden medallion, is a long, finely illuminated scroll bearing a descriptive text in Cyrillic script, which serves as a theological seal and an explanation for the entire work. From a strictly formal and stylistic perspective, the panel demonstrates the exceptional technical mastery characteristic of the renowned painting schools of late 19th-century Central Russia, which were deeply rooted in the tradition of miniature painting. The figures’ faces are rendered with delicate modeling in dark skin tones (sankir), enlivened by subtle, graphic strokes of light; the color palette emphasizes the contrast between the vibrant reds of the angels’ robes, deep greens, and the dazzling whiteness of the Father’s mantle—all of which are further enriched by fine, thread-like golden highlights (assist). The extraordinary density of the figures and the geometric precision of the concentric circles mark this work as an object of profound intellectual and devotional depth, originally commissioned by a sophisticated patron capable of deciphering the complex symbolism of the Trinitarian glory. 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.