Icon - Stavrotek icon - Wood, Bronze, Enamel

An exceptionally large, heavy, museum-quality Russian Stavrotek icon from the mid-19th century. Originating from the Workshop of the Old Believers. This monumental panel is in an exceptionally perfect condition and has an impressive weight of 5 kg. The massive wooden panel combines refined egg tempera painting with inlaid, high-quality elements of copper alloy and bronze, richly decorated with the characteristic and highly sought-after bright blue enamel. Top (paintings): Left the Nativity of the Mother of God, in the middle the Nativity of John the Baptist. Central focal point (right): a large, razor-sharp cast eight-pointed Orthodox cross with the Crucifixion of Christ, the skull of Adam on Golgotha, and the lamenting figures of the Mother of God, Mary Magdalene, John, and the theologian) on the sides. Around the cross are the Descent from the Cross and the Entombment skillfully painted on the wood. Left and middle sections (Bronze & Enamel): A beautifully preserved triptych (travel icon) that together forms the Deesis (Mary, Christ Pantocrator, and John the Baptist with wings) and a separate bronze plaque of Saint Nicholas of Myra. Bottom left features a large rare delicate plaque of the Archangel Michael as commander of the heavenly host, surrounded by 16 detailed saintly medallions. Condition: For an icon of this size and age, the condition is exceptionally good. The panel is completely upright, which is unique given the heavy metal inlays. On the back there are 2 original sunken wooden crossbars (sponki). The wood is sound and shows no active woodworm. Belgium / Netherlands private possession.