Cypress cross, in a metal frame.
- Inv. #
- М-36 ЛВС-7
- Century
- 18th century
- Dimensions
- 35 × 20 cm
Description
An altar (hand) cross with carved and polychrome-painted reliefs, in a profiled silver metal frame. The frame is four-armed with straight arms; at the ends of the upper and side arms is fixed a cast, openwork finial in the form of a stylized palmette. In the spaces between the arms are applied radiant rays. Below is a cylindrical metal handle with a profiled thickening (an "apple") with a pearl band and a ball finial.
The front of the cross bears the composition "The Crucifixion" with attendant figures: at the center, the crucified Christ, at whose feet is Golgotha with the Head of Adam against a backdrop of masonry walls; to the left and right, in medallions, the Mother of God and John the Theologian; on the upper arm, God the Father with a triangular halo amid clouds; on the lower, elongated arm, the figure of Saint Nicholas. On the reverse is the composition "The Theophany (Baptism)": at the center, the naked Christ in the waters of the Jordan, to the left an angel with a cloth, to the right John the Baptist; on the upper arm, the Holy Spirit as a dove in radiance; on the lower arm, the scene of the Annunciation. The reliefs are executed with fine carving and painting; the coloring is restrained, with light-blue, ochre, brick-red, and green tones and a gilded background. There are numerous abbreviated inscriptions in Greek/Church Slavonic letters beside the figures.