Icon - The Nederdaling at Helle - Brass

Russian brass icon The Descent into Hell, 19th century

Beautiful Russian brass icon with blue and white enamel, depicting the Descent of Christ into Hell, in the Orthodox tradition known as the Anastasis. This representation symbolizes Christ’s victory over death and His redemption of the righteous from the realm of the dead.
Description

The square icon shows Christ at the center in a radiant mandorla, surrounded by a deep blue enameled background with white accents. He stands on the crushed gates of Hell, depicted crisscrossed beneath His feet. With His right hand He seizes Adam by the wrist and draws him from the tomb, while Eve gazes reverently. Around them stand Old Testament figures and prophets bearing witness to the fulfillment of the promise of salvation.

At the top, in Church Slavonic script, is the title referring to the Resurrection. The composition is rich in symbolism and closely follows the canonical iconographic tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The combination of gilded brass and clear blue enamel creates a strong visual contrast. The relief is sharply worked, with clear contours in the figures and architectural elements. Such enamelled brass icons were frequently produced in Russia in the 19th century and served as personal devotion objects within daily religious life.

Period: 19th century
Material: Brass with enamel
Origin: Russia

Condition
In reasonable condition with appropriate signs of aging and use. The enamel is mostly in good condition with light wear and some small edge irregularities appropriate to the age. See photos for your own impression.

Dimensions
Height: 5.7 cm
Width: 5.4 cm
Depth: 0.6 cm

insured shipping