Lot 36
AN IMPORTANT RUSSIAN PROCESSIONAL PASSION CRUCIFIX, PALEKH, CIRCA 1875. The front of cross painted with the crucified Christ. At top, God the Father delivers a blessing and is identified by the abbreviated corresponding Slavonic inscription Gospod Savaof- Lord Saboath. Beneath further still is an eight pointed star or glory upon which is displayed a dove signifying the Holy Spirit and on either side Angels of the Lord. In the upper corners is the sun (SOLNTSE) and moon (LUNA). The central cross beam displays the standard or typical abbreviated inscriptions reading TSAR SLAVUIY (King of Glory) and SUIN BOZHIY (Son of God). At the left terminating end is the Mother of God and on the right end the beloved Apostle John. 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. The lower margin is inscribed with the matins exapostilarion, tone 2 from the Feast of the Exaltation of the cross. The Cross is the guardian of the whole earth; the Cross is the beauty of the Church; the Cross is the strength of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels; the Cross is the plague of demons. The verso of cross intricately painted in the miniature technique and depicting the Passion of Christ. Read from top to bottom and left to right the scenes are; The TAINAYA (Mystic) VECHERA (Super) or the Last Supper. In this scene Judas can be readily identified as he is the only figure without a halo encircling his head. Continuing at the far left side of central cross beam, The Prayer of the Cup, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane with the Apostle Peter, James and John who are shown sleeping. Next The Kiss of Judas, depicting Christ being arrested. At Center is the Washing of the Feet, followed by Christ before Caiaphas, then Christ before Pilate, and Pontius Pilate washing his hands. The following scene depicts the Crowning with thorns, followed by The Scourging at the Pillar, The Carrying of the Cross, The Removal from the Cross, and The Placement in the Tomb. The gilt reserves on the slanted foot beam displaying the implements of the Passion. Crosses, such as the offered lot, were prized possessions of the churches, shrines and chapels which held them. They were mounted on poles set into a carved receptacle at the base of the cross, and processed at various Church functions and feasts. They were also sometimes held within an ornate framework of gilt metal or carved wood. The pallet and overall style of painting would suggest the offered lot was created in or near the village of Palekh or perhaps by a Palekh trained artist working in Moscow. Stunning! Height 21.25 inches (54cm) width 12.6 inches (32cm).
Estimate:  $3,000 - 5,000   € 2,250 - 3,750

Price Realized: $8,400.00