Brass Miniature Altarpiece, 1750 CE - 1900 CE
Brass
4.5 x 7
PF.5184
This incredible miniature was created for private meditations. The four parts of the altarpiece depict: the Passions of Christ, the life of the Holy Family, the adoration of Mary, the...
This incredible miniature was created for private meditations. The four parts of the altarpiece depict: the Passions of Christ, the life of the Holy Family, the adoration of Mary, the Mother of God, Russian nobility praying to the icon of Madonna and Child. The altarpiece has a form of a typical mediaeval Russian chapel. The half domes of this symbolic building represent the life of Jesus from the crucifixion to his resurrection and glory in heaven and on earth. Each part of the altarpiece has a similar structural composition. The upper part consists of the major dramatic scene and the lower par depicts four narratives. An artist skillfully combined the religious stories of annunciation and baptism with the narratives, involving Russian nobility. The outer part of the altarpiece, decorated with an elaborate pattern of flowers and animalistic designs typical for Russian decorative style called "lubok", is inscribed: "We pray to Your Cross. We praise Your resurrection". This beautiful piece is an embodiment of the essence of Russian Orthodox religious doctrine. The narratives represented on this altarpiece reinforce the deep spiritual connection between the church and the royal lineage.