348 - An extraordinary, monumental icon depicting Christ’s Descent into Hell (Anastasis). Northern Russia, 17th–18th centuries. Height 75 cm, width 67 cm. Tempera on a chalk ground over a multi-panel wooden board. A large-scale, multi-figure depiction of Christ’s Descent into Hell (Anastasis). In the center, Christ stands within a large, radiant mandorla upon the shattered gates of Hades. With his right hand, he grasps Adam and leads him out of the underworld; behind Adam is the assembly of Old Testament righteous figures and patriarchs. On the opposite side are additional redeemed souls and saints holding scrolls. In the lower part of the painting are Hades personified—or the jaws of hell—demons, and the broken or scattered fittings and chains of the gates of hell; an angel overpowers and binds Satan. The central Anastasis is expanded by several simultaneously depicted secondary scenes: a depiction of the Risen One at the tomb, angels rolling away the tombstone, and sleeping tomb guards; as well as, in the upper section, Paradise with Enoch, Elijah, and the good thief. Architectural backdrops and highly stylized rocky landscapes delineate the individual narrative levels. According to an older expert report, this was formerly the central section of a large festive icon. A collector’s item! Includes a copy of the expert report from the Icon Museum at Autenried Castle! Some small areas of loss, particularly at the edges, as well as isolated fine cracks. Minor older retouching. Provenance: Dr. Gerhard Müller-Alfers, Speyer, 1970s/1980s.