FOLDING POLYPTYCH ICON

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

Each panel of this folding brass polyptych depicts four separate scenes beneath a kokoshnik gable. From left to right the four panels depict 1) the Crucifixion, with the Annunciation, Nativity, Birth of the Mother of God, Presentation in the Temple; 2) the New Testament Trinity, with the Purification, Baptism, Transfiguration, Entry into Jerusalem; 3) the Elevation of the Cross, with the Resurrection, Ascension, Descent of the Holy Spirit, Dormition; and 4) the Glorification of the Mother of God, with icons of the Tikhvin Mother of God, the Vladimir Mother of God, Smolensk? Mother of God, and the Mother of God of the Sign, each attended by six saints. When closed the polyptych shows the Cross of Golgotha framed by interlace columns with animal heads and an inscription above that reads "We bow to Your cross and we praise Your holy resurrection." The four inner panels are very carefully enamelled in dark blue and white within precise cages.

Object name:

FOLDING POLYPTYCH ICON

Made from:

Brass -- enamel

Made in:

Russia

Date made:

19th c.

Size:

17.3 × 40.2 cm (6 13/16 × 15 13/16 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

14.46

Class:

METAL

Signature marks:

INSCRIPTION Every scene is meticulously inscribed, The Crucixion on the outer panel is inscribed: "TsR' SLVY IS KhS SN'SZhII NIKA MLRB GL"; on the inner left panel the inscription: "INTsI is added to the post above Christ's head

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973