Cross - Bronze - 1800-1850 - Icon

Old large Russian bronze Orthodox cross – Crucifixion with Mandylion and cherubs – 18th–19th century – 27 cm

Superb and rare large Russian Orthodox bronze cross, depicting the Crucifixion of Christ, made according to the iconographic tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church.
This cross features a complete and highly detailed iconography:
– The crucified Christ at the center,
– At the top, the Mandylion (the face of Christ not made by human hands),
– Two winged cherubs on either side,
– Inscriptions in ecclesiastical Slavonic,
– At the base, Adam's skull, a symbol of humanity's redemption.
This type of cross was intended to be placed in the corner of the iconostasis/ icons of an Orthodox home or used as an altar cross in a chapel. It is not a processional cross, but a true liturgical object.
The cross is cast in solid bronze, with a natural old patina typical of Russian works from the 18th–19th centuries. The quality of the relief, the precision of the inscriptions, and the depth of the sculpture indicate an authentic piece, made according to traditional methods.
The large size of this cross (27 cm) is particularly sought after by collectors, because the majority of preserved Russian crosses are much smaller.

Subject: Russian Orthodox Cross
Type : Devotional cross / Altar cross
Material: Bronze
Technique: Mold casting
Period: Late 18th – early 19th century
Origin: Imperial Russia
Iconography
– Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
– Mandylion
– Cherubs
– Slavonic inscriptions
– Adam's skull
Dimensions :
– Height: 27 cm
– Width : 14 cm
State:
Very good overall condition.
Natural aged patina.
No cracks, no restorations.
Wear consistent with age.