138 - Kiot Cross - 19th century

Kiot Cross - 19th century Bronze casting with polychrome enamels Height x width: 39.5 x 24 cm The artwork features the canonical structure of the Russian eight-pointed cross, with three crossbeams, where the slanted lower arm serves as a symbolic suppedaneum. At the center is the depiction of the Crucifixion, while the upper section features the dove of the Holy Spirit, flanked by two flying angels. Above them, Christ emerges from the clouds, creating a symbolic vertical axis that unites the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son. At the base of the cross, a skull is visible, representing Golgotha, which recalls the site of Christ’s death and the victory over death through the resurrection. At the foot of the cross, the Calvary scene is completed by the four canonical witness figures: on the left, the Virgin Mary accompanied by Saint Mary of Clopas, while on the right stand Saint John the Evangelist and the Centurion Longinus, identifiable by his Roman armor. The decorative elements extend into a series of panels depicting both episodes from the life of Christ and symbolic representations, integrating Gospel narratives with allegorical content. Such objects, generally small in size, were intended for private devotion. Their portability made them easy to carry and, when necessary, conceal, thus meeting the religious needs of a community that, following the schism known as the Raskol, endured periods of persecution by the official Russian Orthodox Church. 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.