Icon - Santi Medici - Wood - Holidays

This panel is a splendid Russian icon from the early 19th century with the Great Feasts (known in Russian as Prazdniki). It is a complex work rich in details, structured according to the classical scheme of the liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church. In the center lies the pivotal scene of Eastern Christianity, surrounded by twelve narrative panels (called kleimá) that are read in chronological order starting from the top left.

The central panel: The Resurrection and Descent into Hades (Anastasis). The heart of the icon shows Christ rising and descending into the underworld, stepping on the broken gates of Hades. Jesus is enfolded in a mandorla of divine light as he takes Adam and Eve by the hand, freeing humanity from sin and death. In the upper part of the panel the scene of Christ rising gloriously from the tomb is also visible.

The twelve panels of the Great Feasts (Liturgical Cycle). The narration runs along the outer frame. Here is the identification of the depicted scenes: Top row (left to right): 1. Nativity of the Mother of God: Saint Anna on the birthing bed with the midwives attending to the newborn Mary. 2. Presentation of Mary at the Temple: Saints Joachim and Anna lead the young Mary to the high priest. 3. Annunciation: The Archangel Gabriel bearing the divine announcement to the Virgin Mary. 4. Nativity of Jesus: The Virgin Mary lying, the Child in the manger, and the shepherds in adoration. Middle row (side panels): 5. (Left upper) Presentation of Jesus at the Temple: The old and righteous Simeon receives the Child Jesus in his arms. 6. (Right upper) Baptism of Christ (Epiphany): Saint John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the waters of the Jordan. 7. (Left lower) Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem: Christ rides a donkey welcomed by the crowd, which strews cloaks and palm branches. 8. (Right lower) Transfiguration: Jesus on Mount Tabor enveloped in light, flanked by Moses and Elijah, while the three apostles fall to the ground in astonishment. Bottom row (left to right): 9. Ascension of Christ: Jesus rises to heaven in a mandorla of light above the Apostles and the Virgin Mary. 10. Trinity of the Old Testament: Abraham’s hospitality to the three Angels at the oaks of Mamre, a symbol of the Trinity. 11. Exaltation of the Holy Cross: The Patriarch solemnly raises the True Cross before the faithful and the deacons. 12. Dormition of the Mother of God (Koimesis): Mary on her deathbed surrounded by the Apostles, while Christ stands and gathers her soul in the form of a newborn in swaddling clothes.

Good overall state of preservation, vivid colors and well legible; anti-tank treatment already carried out; very generous dimensions: 56x45 cm.

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