Russian Orthodox Bronze Cross Pendant

With a rounded and stepped rim; wreath, forehead, nose and eye. 19.69 grams, 57.11 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With blue, yellow, white and green enamel, representing the Anastasis (Resurrection of Christ); the Saviour represented on two registers, in the upper one (Resurrection) emerging from the grave, surrounded by the hesychastic light, with the Roman soldiers falling asleep, and the apostles and a cherub beside him; in the lower register (Descent into Hades) Christ surrounded by the same divine light, leading the people from the Limbo, Adam and Eve, King David and Salomon and other souls to heaven; the frame decorated with gilt arabesques on blue enamel, inscriptions in Old Slavonic at the top. 200 grams, 11 cm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

The iconography is typical of the Anastasis or Resurrection of Christ, with the gates of Hades broken under the feet of Christ, echoing the phrase: 'Christ is Risen From the Dead, Trampling Down Death by Death, and Upon Those in the Tombs Bestowing Life!'

Modelled in the round wearing a long tunic and a palla draped over his left shoulder, leather sandals with straps on his exposed feet. 87 kg, 100 cm



Private collection, France. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13083-246798.

The statue, certainly intended for ecclesiastical decoration, most likely represents one of the apostles or prophets, or an Evangelist. These are Mannerist statues, executed with great sculptural skill, intended to adorn the large tomb complexes of wealthy families housed in the Catholic cathedrals of Renaissance Europe.