The Descent into Hell
Iconography: Resurrection – The Descent into Hell
Date: XVI century.
Iconographic school/art center: Pskov icon-painting school
Origin: From the church of Nicholas the Wonderworker in Lyubyatovo
Material: Wood, levkas, tempera
Dimensions: height 76 cm, width 55 cm
The centre of the composition shows Christ in glory standing on the broken gates of Hell. To His right is depicted Adam, behind whom stand the Old Testament tsars and prophets headed by David and Solomon, to the left is represented John the Baptist, forefathers, foremothers and Eve dressed in the red omophorion bowing before Savior’s feet. The icon has a rare feature – the depiction of the three foremothers surrounding Eve. In the lower part of the icon are depicted the angels. To the right and to the left of their group are depicted the righteous men dressed in the white clothes rising from their tombs.
Inv. № 1616. © Pskov State United Historical, Architectural and Fine Arts Museum-Reserve
Bibliography: Васильева О.А. Иконы Пскова. М., 2006. № 58. С. 218.
General view