Descent into Hell
Iconography: Resurrection – The Descent into Hell
Date: XVI century. The second half of the 16th century.
Iconographic school/art center: North of Russia
Material: Wood, tempera
Dimensions: height 68 cm, width 52,5 cm
In the center is the figure of Christ with a scroll in his hand trampling the broken hell gates with his feet. In the mandorla and above it are the choirs of angels. On either side of Christ are Adam and Eva, the Old Testament kings and prophets including David, Solomon and John the Baptist. In the lower register is hell in the shape of a dark yawning abyss. Angels are chaining Satan, portrayed as a monstrous beast. The souls of the righteous dressed in white vestments extend their hands to Christ.
Inv. № И-467. © Republic of Karelia Museum of Fine Arts
General view