The cross is the main symbol of the Orthodox faith. In Russia, it was an indispensable attribute for blessing, parting rituals, rites of baptism and healing, coronations and weddings. People wore cross pendants from birth to death; even dead bodies were buried with crucifixes and icon pendants on them.
The Holy Cross
Creation period
19th century
Dimensions
11x6,4 cm
11 x 6.4 x 0.15 cm
11 x 6.4 x 0.15 cm
Technique
Copper alloy, casting
Collection
Exhibition
1
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The Holy Cross
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Holy Crosses are distinguished by purpose and type. Communion crosses used to crown princely and tsar’s thrones in the past; temples and chapels are decorated with bow crosses, and sepulchral crosses are placed on graves in memory of the dead. Pectoral or body crosses are worn on the chest. People believe that they protect from any hardships, so they take those with them on any journey and almost never take them off.
To produce this “Crucifixion of Christ”, craftsmen used the Old Believer technique, copper casting. Copper alloy products were cast on pre-made wooden blanks. Crosses, icons, and folds of this type were popular and affordable due to their price and small size. A similar production was established in the 12th century in Kiev lands, then it appeared in Moscow and Veliky Novgorod. Old Believer casting reached its heyday by the 18th century.
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The Holy Cross “Crucifixion of Christ” (front and rear sides)
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In iconography, the Crucifixion of Christ symbolizes the cross of Calvary. According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified on Calvary (also Golgotha), a small hill in the territory of modern Israel, for the sins of the mankind.
After the Savior was executed, craftsmen began to make Crucifixes depicting the suffering Jesus. On the halo of the Savior, three letters of the Greek alphabet have to be present, O, W and N. They mean “He Who Exists”. The name of the hill, Golgotha, translates as “skull”. Therefore, the skull of Adam is often depicted at the foot of the cross. According to legend, Adam was buried in this place. The convex inscription “IC XC” on the palms of Jesus is a short spelling of the Savior’s name.
After the Savior was executed, craftsmen began to make Crucifixes depicting the suffering Jesus. On the halo of the Savior, three letters of the Greek alphabet have to be present, O, W and N. They mean “He Who Exists”. The name of the hill, Golgotha, translates as “skull”. Therefore, the skull of Adam is often depicted at the foot of the cross. According to legend, Adam was buried in this place. The convex inscription “IC XC” on the palms of Jesus is a short spelling of the Savior’s name.
In the upper part of the cross, over the head of the crucified Jesus, the crafter cast Sabaoth, the image of God the Father. Sabaoth governs all the laws of heaven, as well as the moon, sun, stars and angels, this is a symbol of the acceptance of the dead Christ to heaven. On the upper crossbar of the cross there are two angels in the sky holding the shawl, a cut of fabric symbolizing divine protection. Between them is the Holy Spirit, canonically depicted as a dove.
The Crucifix of Christ is a powerful symbol of faith. It was worn as a sign of awareness and gratitude for the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made to atone for human sins.
The Crucifix of Christ is a powerful symbol of faith. It was worn as a sign of awareness and gratitude for the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made to atone for human sins.
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Iskitim Municipal Museum of Arts and History
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The Holy Cross
Creation period
19th century
Dimensions
11x6,4 cm
11 x 6.4 x 0.15 cm
11 x 6.4 x 0.15 cm
Technique
Copper alloy, casting
Collection
Exhibition
1
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