Russian Orthodox Icon of Golgotha Cross, circa XIX C.
In bronze. The icon is an 8-ended Golgotha cross, a design revered by Old Believers. The small metal loop in the back of the top part allows for insertion of a suspension cord to make the cross wearable. The top part depicts an image of Savaof, God Father, separated from the lower profane space by a garland of cosmic objects.
Beneath Him, two angels hold a tablet bearing the acronym for "Jesus Christ, King of Judea". The central bar portrays crucified Jesus with His hands nailed to the cross, and a symbolic sculpt of Adam in a bone box beneath His feet. According to tradition, Ada
In bronze. The icon is an 8-ended Golgotha cross, a design revered by Old Believers. The small metal loop in the back of the top part allows for insertion of a suspension cord to make the cross wearable. The top part depicts an image of Savaof, God Father, separated from the lower profane space by a garland of cosmic objects.
Beneath Him, two angels hold a tablet bearing the acronym for "Jesus Christ, King of Judea". The central bar portrays crucified Jesus with His hands nailed to the cross, and a symbolic sculpt of Adam in a bone box beneath His feet. According to tradition, Adam was buried at Golgotha under the cross, and Jesus' spilled blood redeemed humankind's original sin.
The reverse side of the cross is completely filled with text. It is certainly a prayer, most likely one of the psalms of David but, possibly, some text from the New Testament. Unfortunately, the text is illegible, and we cannot be more specific.
The icon is in good vintage condition, displaying significant signs of age and wear which only enhance its authentic appearance and historical and cultural allure. It looks like it was originally finished in a gold-colored coating which has partially worn off, mostly at high points but especially on the back where the cross was frequently rubbing against the clothing of its wearer. A beneficial side of this wear is that it helps to reveal the raised imagery on the front of the cross.
Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.
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