Icon - Bronze, Enamel

Orthodox Crucifix icon in enamelled bronze from the early 19th century 22x14 cm.
This is a typical Orthodox crucifix made with the bronze casting technique, enamelled and enriched with blue dye. Coming from Moscow, Russia.
Starting from the bottom, a transversal inclined and long compared to the support of the feet, which recalls ''The Cross is the scales of Justice''.
On the lower inclined part the old fallen Jerusalem is depicted, with the tent of the temple torn apart and on the opposite part the New Jerusalem rising.
Examining the cross from above: the first transversal is wider than the usual Roman sign with the writing INRI, in fact note the cosmic sense desired by the Byzantine tradition, at the top the figure of Christ the Savior with the classic Greek letters indicating ' 'He who is', with his right hand blessing and the world in the other.
Under the dove there are two cherubs with 6 wings and a human face, related to the writing ''Angels of the Lord'', who await the Soul and Body of the son of Almighty God.
On the right and left respectively the four letters indicating Jesus Christus Rex Judicorum, King of Glory.
Immediately below the writing ''In the name of your sacrifice we await the Resurrection of your glory'', which can also be replaced with ''Let us bow to your cross and glorify your Resurrection''.
In memory of Christ's passion there are spears and sponges, and unlike what is reported in the West, Christ is crucified with three nails and not four.
At the bottom, note the skull of Adam, signifying the entire humanity that falls into sin and is redeemed thanks to the Passion and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Eastern tradition, the death of Christ always appears illuminated by a regal nobility and is not represented in the agony and signs of his bloody Passion.
This crucifix includes a certificate of originality, drawn up by an expert registered in the professional register of rare and antique pieces.