The Holy Cross ‘Crucifixion of Christ’ of the 18th century was made during the period of the Church Dissent and persecution of the Old Believers. In the years 1722 to 1723, Peter the Great forbade the distribution of copper crosses in Russia. However, this Old Believer crucifix survived to this day. It was made by Pomorye craftsmen. Such crosses were cheap, affordable and durable, that’s why they won popular affection.
The Holy Cross
Creation period
18th century
Dimensions
14,5x28,5 cm
14.5 x 28.5 x 0.4 cm
14.5 x 28.5 x 0.4 cm
Technique
Copper alloy, casting
Collection
Exhibition
5
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The Holy Cross
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Old Believer masters decorated the Crucifixes with floral ornaments and geometric shapes. However, their plot was canonical. Jesus Christ was depicted crucified on the cross on Mount Calvary (also, Golgotha). Translated from ancient Greek, this word meant “skull”. At the feet of the Savior was the skull of Adam. According to legend, the blood that the Lord shed fell on the skull and thus atoned for human sins.
The figure of Sabaoth, God the Father which was usually placed above the head of Jesus Christ, is also depicted according to the canon. Below him, there are two angels unfurling a shawl over Christ, a piece of fabric symbolizing divine protection. The picture repeated the biblical story where God the Father received God the Son into heaven. At the top of the cross there is an image of the Mandylion, the Savior Not Made by Hands.
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Crosses depicting the Crucifixion came in two variants. They could either contain the image of a dove which symbolized the third incarnation of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, or contain no dove. This Crucifixion of Christ has no dove depicted on it. The craftsman paid special attention to Jesus’ face carefully delineating the detail. Usually, on both types of crosses, all the figures were shown schematically.
The cross is eight-pointed, and this is indicative of the fact that it belongs to the Old Believer tradition. Four-pointed crosses started to appear in the Russian Church only after the reforms of Patriarch Nikon.
The cross is eight-pointed, and this is indicative of the fact that it belongs to the Old Believer tradition. Four-pointed crosses started to appear in the Russian Church only after the reforms of Patriarch Nikon.
The Holy Cross ‘Crucifixion of Christ’ (rear side)
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The upper crossbar contains the letters ‘IC ХС’: in this way, the Old Believers shortened the name of Jesus Christ. Near Christ’s left palm, the sun is depicted, and near the right palm, the moon. This is a biblical reference to God the Father and his heavenly host. It included the sun, moon, stars and all winged creatures living in heaven. The back of the Crucifix is smooth but decorated with floral and plant ornaments.
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Iskitim Municipal Museum of Arts and History
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The Holy Cross
Creation period
18th century
Dimensions
14,5x28,5 cm
14.5 x 28.5 x 0.4 cm
14.5 x 28.5 x 0.4 cm
Technique
Copper alloy, casting
Collection
Exhibition
5
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