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A remarkable 19th-century Russian icon depicting the Crucifixion of Christ, surrounded by the Mother of God, Saint John the Theologian, and other sacred figures. The central composition is complemented by three intricate narrative scenes beneath, illustrating the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. This elaborate iconographic arrangement creates a powerful devotional image, reflecting the profound spiritual heritage and artistic traditions of Russian icon painting. Hand-painted in traditional tempera on a substantial wooden panel, the icon is distinguished by its richly coloured garments, gilded halos, golden borders, and finely detailed architectural background representing Jerusalem. The expressive figures, traditional inscriptions, and elaborate multi-scene composition demonstrate the distinctive character of 19th-century Russian religious art, while the impressive dimensions enhance its visual presence and historical significance. The icon retains its authentic antique character, displaying a deeply aged surface, extensive craquelure, and surviving original painted details. The reverse preserves traditional wooden construction with two transverse reinforcing battens and an old metal suspension ring. Despite considerable historical wear and evidence of previous restoration, the sacred composition remains visually compelling, preserving a remarkable testimony to faith, history, and tradition. Condition: Antique condition with extensive age-related wear, craquelure, scattered paint and ground losses, surface abrasions, darkening, and areas of lifting paint, particularly across the upper background and lower narrative scenes. Evidence of previous conservation and restoration is present, with areas of differing surface appearance and fluorescence observed under UV examination. The original wooden panel displays natural aging and wear, retaining its traditional transverse wooden battens and historical character.
