Icon - Santi Medici - Wood - Holidays

This panel is a splendid Russian icon from the early XIX century, of the Great Feasts (known in Russian as Prazdniki). It is a complex work, rich in details, structured according to the classic scheme of the liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church. At the center lies the pivotal scene of Eastern Christianity, surrounded by twelve narrative squares (called klejma) read in chronological order from top left.

Central panel: The Resurrection and the Descent into Hades (Anastasis). The heart of the icon shows Christ resurrecting and descending to the underworld, trampling the broken doors of Hades. Jesus is enveloped in a mandorla of divine light as he takes Adam and Eve by the hand, delivering humanity from sin and death. In the upper part of the square, the scene of Christ rising gloriously from the tomb is also visible.

The twelve squares of the Great Feasts (Liturgical Cycle). The narrative unfolds 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 birth-bed with handmaids attending the newborn Mary.
2. Presentation of Mary in the Temple: Saint Joachim and Saint 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 down, the Child in the manger, and the shepherds adoring.
Middle row (side panels):
5. (Left, top) Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: The old and righteous Simeon receives the Child Jesus in his arms.
6. (Right, top) Baptism of Christ (Epiphany): Saint John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the waters of the Jordan.
7. (Left, bottom) Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem: Christ riding an ass, welcomed by the crowds which spread cloaks and palm branches.
8. (Right, bottom) Transfiguration: Jesus on Mount Tabor enveloped in light, flanked by Moses and Elijah, as 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. The Holy Trinity of the Old Testament: Abraham's hospitality to the three Angels at the Oak of Mamre, 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 infant in swaddling clothes.

Good overall condition with vivid, legible colors; anti-carro treatment already carried out; very generous dimensions 56x45 cm.

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