Border scenes:
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1. The Nativity of the Mother of God;
2. The Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple; 3. The Annunciation; 4. The Nativity of Christ; 5. The Presentation of Christ in the Temple; 6. The Baptism of Christ; 7. The Entrance into Jerusalem; 8. The Transfiguration; 9. The Ascension; 10. The Old Testament Trinity; 11. The Dormition of the Mother of God; 12. The Elevation of the Holy Cross. |
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This type of relatively small icons depicting the main Church feasts (known as “polnitsy/полницы” or “full-cycle icons”) was usually commissioned for household prayer-corners and small chapels. Executed in the traditional manner these icons were painted in the village of Palekh in the Vladimir Province. The style of the given piece, most notably the toned-down colour palette and rather stiff execution, is indicative of late 19th-century art (c. 1870-1900). The iconography is quite traditional. The centrepiece occupied by the “Resurrection – the Descent into Hell”, separated into two tiers and bereft of any additional scenes. The border scenes, bearing the depictions of the 12 Great Feasts, follow the Church calendar – a trait that is typical for later period Palekh artwork.
