This icon-stand crucifix was made by an unknown craftsman in the 19th century with the relief figure of crucified Jesus Christ wearing a loincloth taking the central place. The cast figure of God the Father, Lord Sabaoth is placed above the Savior; the monogram IC XC forming an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ, by either side of Christ’s palms riveted to cross.

Unlike other crosses, this Icon-Stand Crucifixion has additional vertical panels on both sides, the so called “towels”. Traditionally, such panels showed the images of the Holy Virgin and Mary Magdalene, John the Theologian and Centurion Longinus on the right. Each of those biblical figures is related to Christ in the Gospel stories. Saint Martha is Christ’s follower and sister of Lazarus raised by Christ. The Mother of God is his earthly mother, and John the Theologian, his most beloved disciple and eyewitness of the execution took care of her afterwards. Centurion Longinus pierced his side by the spear to see if Jesus was dead.

The craftsman decorated the upper bar of the cross with five miniature frames, small boxes with images on the themes of five Christian holy days: the Descent into Hell, the Ascension of Christ, Presentation of Christ, Entrance of Our Lord in Jerusalem, and the Holy Trinity of the Old Testament. They all are related to the major Gospel event, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The surface of this copper-alloy cast icon is covered with a coat of enamel. Some individual plates are decorated with geometric patterns and fish scale shapes. The smooth backside of the cross carries barely discernable inscription in six lines: Cross is the Protector of Universe/Cross is the Beauty of Christian Church/Cross is Kings’ Orb/Cross is Faithful Christians’ Assertion /Cross is Angels’ Glory/Cross of Evil Spirits’ Mortification. The words served as protective incantation frequently occurring on household and church icon-stand crucifixions.