Skip to main content

Cypress cross in a metal frame (restored)

Inv. #
М-69
Dimensions
22 × 15 × 2 cm
Materials
Techniques

Description

A four-armed carved cross, in a metal frame. On the front of the cross is a depiction of the "Crucifixion." On the crossbar, above Christ's head, are the letters "INRI" ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"). On the side arms are the letters "IS" and "KHS" ("Jesus Christ"). At the top, amid clouds, is a triangular halo with the All-Seeing Eye in radiance — a symbol of God the Father. On the left arm is a half-length image of the Mother of God, her hands folded in a gesture of prayer. She wears a tunic and maphorion. On the right arm is a half-length image of John the Baptist, his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. He wears a chiton and himation. At the bottom of the cross are depictions of the Head of Adam at Golgotha and of city buildings. On the reverse, at the center, is a depiction of the Virgin Mary, her hands crossed in a gesture of prayer, standing on a raised platform, dressed in a long tunic and maphorion. To the left and right of her head are the letters "MR ΘU" ("Mother of God"). Above her head, amid clouds, is a depiction of the Holy Spirit as a dove in radiance. On the left arm is a half-length image of a venerable saint (not identified) with a long beard. He wears a monastic mantle, with a paramand in front and a kukol on his head. On the right arm is a half-length image of a venerable saint (not identified) with a long beard, wearing a monastic mantle with a paramand in front. At the bottom of the cross are the Tablets of the Covenant, in the form of two slabs with the Ten Commandments.

The cross belonged to the pre-war (pre-1941) part of the collection of the H. S. Skovoroda Historical Museum. It was evacuated in 1941 and returned to Kharkiv in November 1944.

3D Model

Interactive 3D model of the artefact. Use mouse or touch to rotate and zoom.