46. The Crucifixion of Christ

Details

Russian, first half 19th century
90.2 x 75.5 cms

Provenance:
Kasteel de Wijenburgh, Echteld, The Netherlands, inventory no. 2997.
Private collection, The Netherlands.

Literature:
B. Velthuis, ‘Ikon-Maria’, de Wijenburgh, Echteld, The Netherlands, 1979, p. 15, ill. T.

Exhibition:
‘Ikonen 16e – 19e eeuw, Kollekties uit kasteel de Wijenburgh en partikulier bezit’, Markiezenhof / Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands, 22 March – 19 May 1975.

‘Ikonen 16e – 19e eeuw’, Kloosters Paters Augustijnen, Gent, Belgium, 28 June – 27 July, 1975.

‘Russische Ikonen’, Kasteel Coevorden, The Netherlands, October 1975.

Description:
Christ is crucified and the cross is standing on the mountain Golgotha. Legend has it that Adam’s tomb was located on Mount Golgotha, on which the cross is implanted. It is a stylised rock, with the scull of Adam symbolising the Redemption: Adam sinned – Christ redeemed.

Around the Cross the mourners are weeping: on the left side Mary of Magdala and the Mother of God. On the right side the Apostle John and the Warrior Longinus of whom is said that he pierced the body of Christ on Golgotha. After the Crucifixion Longinus became a Christian and was martyred for his belief.

Left and right on the upper crossbar two angels are kneeling, their hands covered in humility, weeping for the suffering of Christ.

In the upper corners are the sun and the moon, symbols for the eternal cycle of time. They refer to the eternal value of the redeeming death of Christ.

On the background we see the city of Jerusalem.