Lot number 1401 - Auction 147
MONUMENTALE IKONE MIT DER HÖLLENFAHRT CHRISTI AUS EINER KIRCHEN-IKONOSTASE

A MONUMENTAL ICON SHOWING THE DESCENT INTO HELL FROM A CHURCH ICONOSTASIS North West Russian, last quarter 17th century Tempera on wood panel. The haloes made of gold. Encompassed within an oval mandorla in red, green and blue, Christ stands upon the broken gates of hell, and simultaneously clasps the wrists of Adam and Eve, pulling them from their open tombs, the scene witnessed by the Kings Solomon and David, John the Baptist and the Prophet Samuel, on the left, and a group of Apostles on the right, gilt chains, nails, hammers and locks lie strewn within the black abyss below. Minimally restored. 89.5 x 69.7 cm.