26. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Details

Russian, second half 17th century
31.8 x 27 cms

Provenance:
Private collection, Germany.
Private collection, The Netherlands.

Description:
In the Orthodox tradition, the Descent of the Holy Spirit is celebrated on Whit Monday, a variable feast day that takes place 50 days after Easter.

The Mother of God sits in the center on a Byzantine throne, surrounded by the twelve apostles, six on each side. All represented saints have a silver halo as a decoration. The Holy Spirit is represented as a dove above the head of the Mother of God, and will descend and inspire the Apostles. Spiritually enriched they will continue Christ’s mission on earth, to spread the Gospel of Christ. This event marks the birth of the Christian Church.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit is celebrated at Pentecost.