Icon - Santi Medici - Wood - Holidays

This panel is a splendid icon of early 19th-century Russia, depicting the Great Liturgical Feasts (in Russian, Prazdniki). It is a complex work rich in detail, organized according to the classic schema of the Orthodox Church liturgical calendar. At the center lies the central scene of Eastern Christianity, surrounded by twelve narrative panels (called kleim) read in chronological order from the top left.

The central panel: The Resurrection and the Descent into Hades (Anastasis). The focal point of the icon shows Christ rising and descending into Hades, crushing the gates of Hell. Jesus is enclosed 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 panel the scene of Christ rising gloriously from the tomb is also visible.

The twelve panels of the Great Feasts (Liturgical Cycle). The narration 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 birthing bed with attendants tending to the newborn Mary.
2. Presentation of Mary in the Temple: Saint Joachim and Saint Anna lead little Mary to the High Priest.
3. Annunciation: Archangel Gabriel bearing the divine announcement to the Virgin Mary.
4. Nativity of Jesus: The Virgin Mary laid flat, 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): John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River.
7. (Left, lower) Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem: Christ riding a donkey welcomed by the crowd spreading cloaks and palm branches.
8. (Right, lower) Transfiguration: Jesus on Mount Tabor surrounded by light, flanked by Moses and Elijah, as the three apostles fall to the ground in awe.
Bottom row (left to right):
9. Ascension of Christ: Jesus ascends to heaven in a mandorla of light above the Apostles and the Virgin Mary.
10. The Trinity of the Old Testament: Abraham’s hospitality to the three Angels at the Oak of Mamre, symbol of the Trinity.
11. Elevation 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 state of preservation, vivid and legible colors, anti-tank treatment already applied, very generous dimensions 56x45 cm.

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