Inseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious
art functions as a form of pictorial confession of
faith and a channel of religious experience for
Orthodox Christians. Because icons were
believed to provide direct personal contact with
the holy persons represented on them, these
images were objects of veneration, in either a
public or private setting or during travels, and
were also thought to have the ability to heal.
The central panel depicting the Resurrection of
Christ and the Descent into Hell is surrounded by
twelve smaller panels depicting twelve major
church festivals. These are as follows, starting
from the upper left and moving clockwise: the
Nativity of the Virgin, the Presentation of the
Virgin at the Temple, the Annunciation, the
Nativity of Christ, The Baptism of Christ, the
Transfiguration of Christ, the Dormition of the
Virgin, the Elevation of the Cross, the Old
Testament Trinity, The Ascension of Christ, the
Entry into Jerusalem, and the Presentation of
Christ at the Temple. An engraved foliate border
surrounds these scenes. Together, this
spectacular icon represents the central theme of
Christianity in the midst of the most important
events in the life of the Virgin and Christ. Most
impressive is how much iconography the painter
managed to squeeze into such a tight space
while still managing to keep everything clear and
comprehensible. Painted with stunning detail
and minute ascents throughout, this icon is a
true work of beauty that glows when the light
shines against its luminous gold leaf
background.
- (PF.5707)
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