Lot 120
AN EXCEPTIONAL SIGNED RUSSIAN ICON OF THE CRUCIFIXION, PALEKH 1889. In the center is the Crucified Christ upon the cross. At the top within an arch is the Holy Visage-The Not Made by Hands Image of Christ. And on either side are two descending Angels of the Lord. In the upper left corner is the sun (SOLNTSE), which has darkened and upper right the moon (LUNA), which has become as blood, an allusion to Joel 2:31 and Acts 2:20. The cross is inscribed in various places with abbreviated inscriptions such as at the top TSAR SLAVUIY (King of Glory) and on the cross beams SUIN BOZHIY (Son of God). On the slanted footboard is the Greek word NIKA, meaning 'He [Jesus] Conquers.' Flanking the upright central cross section are two implements of the Passion, on the left a spear and on the right the sponge on a reed. Beneath the slanted footboard are the Slavonic letters M L R B which abbreviate MESTO LOBNOE RAY BUIST, 'The Place of the Skull Becomes Paradise.' Below further still is a skull within a hole symbolizing the skull of Adam. In tradition Adam’s tomb is said to have been at Golgotha and his skull and bones were exposed by an earthquake during the crucifixion. In this example Adam is seen about to rise out of the earth. Also being crucified is, to the left of Christ, the Penitent Thief and on the right the unrepentant thief. Standing on the ground at left beside the cross are the two Mary’s and on the right the Apostle St. John and the Roman Centurion Longinus whose hand is held in a blessing configuration of the type favored by the Old Believers. At lower left another scene has been added, Roman soldiers cast lots to determine who would take the seamless robe which belonged to Christ (Mt 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:34; John 19:24). Thus fulfilling the prophecy, 'They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots' (Ps. 22:18). In the background the city walls of Jerusalem are seen and in the lower right corner the icon is inscribed in Slavonic This icon was painted on the 17th day of April in the year 1889 by Ilya Balyakin. This date would seem to correspond to Holy Wednesday of the same year, 1889. The Balyakin family was one of many noted Palekh family icon dynasties.13 inches x 10.25 inches (33cm x 26cm).
Estimate:  $2,000 - 3,000   € 1,500 - 2,250

Price Realized: $7,800.00