this icon is a spectacular example of the complex version of the Resurrection of Christ, presenting a combination of the iconography of the Descent into Hell and the Resurrection from the Tomb, which first appeared in Russian art in the early 17th century. In both scenes Christ is shown surrounded by an almond-shaped mandorla (representing shining light and glory). The right part of the panel presents the Resurrection scene with Jesus standing on his closed tomb, his hands raised in a benedictory gesture. The middle portion of the composition depicts the Descent into Hell, showing Christ holding a scroll symbolizing his victory over death, trampling upon the broken gates to hell. Christ is depicted descending into the inferno, welcoming a group of righteous men dressed in white, walking up from the bottom left corner towards him. To his left is a kneeling figure of Adam rising from the dead, whom the Savior is leading by the hand. This scene illustrates the main event of the Gospel when the Savior redeemed the first man s sin by his death and saved him -  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians, 15: 20 22). On the other side of the Savior is the kneeling figure of Eve, dressed in a scarlet omophorion. On the bottom of the composition are two sleeping Roman soldiers uniting both scenes; they are meant to indicate the sleeping guards in the Resurrection from the Tomb and also convey another victory, namely that of the Christian faith: the Roman soldiers who had once arrested Jesus and marched him to Calvary now lay in Hell at Christ`s feet. Egg tempera, gold leaf and gesso on wood panel with a kovcheg. Two insert splints on the back. 35 x 27.6 cm (13 3/4 x 10 7/8in.)

Bernard J. Winters was a philanthropist and art collector who was captivated by Russian icons. Over a fifty-year period, he worked closely with Sotheby`s, Christie`s, and private collectors to cultivate his collection. His monumental icons, as well as those purchased from Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, diplomat, were some of his favored items.


PROVENANCE
Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, famous mining engineer, diplomat, and philantropist
Collection of Bernard Winters, as of 1965 (acquired directly from Natalie Hammond)

EXHIBITED
North Salem, Westchester County, New York, The Hammond Museum, Faiths: An Exhibition based upon the definition in the Epistle to the Hebrews, xi, 1., April 1965.