ICON OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST. RUSSIA, MOSCOW SCHOOL, 19TH CENTURY

A Russian Orthodox icon of the Ascension of Christ from the 19th century, executed in the traditions of the Moscow school of icon painting. The image represents one of the most important subjects in Orthodox art - the Ascension of Jesus Christ, marking the completion of His earthly ministry and symbolising His divine glorification. The composition follows the classical two-register scheme characteristic of the canonical representation of the Feast of the Ascension. In the upper register, Christ is depicted in Glory, seated within a radiant mandorla supported by angels. The Saviour is represented wearing a chiton and himation in rich shades of red and green, traditionally expressing the union of His human nature and divine majesty. In the lower register, the central position is occupied by the figure of the Mother of God, shown frontally and motionless as a symbol of the Church and the steadfastness of faith. On either side stand angels dressed in light garments, addressing the Apostles and pointing towards the heavenly event. The disciples of Christ are depicted in a state of spiritual contemplation and profound emotion at the miracle of the Ascension. The icon is distinguished by the refined modelling of the faces, harmonious composition and rich colour palette characteristic of 19th-century Russian icon painting. The gilded background and halos enhance the sacred character of the image, creating an impression of inner luminosity. The upper border bears a traditional Church Slavonic inscription in cinnabar reading “The Ascension of Christ”. Inscription: Church Slavonic inscription “The Ascension of Christ” in the upper part of the icon. Dimensions: Height 40 cm, width 44 cm. Condition: Good condition. Minor signs of age consistent with the period of creation. The painted surface retains the expressiveness of the composition and the original decorative richness.

Estimate:£1,255.07

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