The Entry into Jerusalem

icoon080_vIn the centre of this icon, Christ is riding on a colt* to Jerusalem. The apostles, led by Peter, follow their Lord. In the foreground children are spreading clothes and branches on the ground. The branches are taken from the trees in the centre. To the right, the citizens of Jerusalem come to greet Christ. This is described in John 12:12-15, Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:28-40. (*Matthew and John describe Jesus riding on an ass, Luke uses the word colt, which is a young horse)

Size: 27 x 34 cm.

The Resurrection of Christ

Opstanding van ChristusFigures with exaggerated gestures, betraying inner emotions, existed as early as the time of the Palaeologists. Standing on the destroyed gates of the underworld, Christ bows towards Adam, whom he raises from the grave. With her hands hidden, Eve prays for redemption for herself and those standing behind her. On the other side John the Baptist leads the Old Testament kings and forefathers. The icon was originally painted by Michael Damascene.

Size: 40 x 27 cm.

The Descent into Limbo (The Anastasis / The Resurrection)

The Descent into Limbo (The Anastasis / The Resurrection)In the Eastern Orthodox church the resurrection of Christ is represented above all by his descent into Hell. Christ has shattered the gates of Hell, bearing the cross in left hand. With his right hand he grasps Adam and pulls him first out of Hades. The figures in the top left include King David, King Solomon, Daniel and John the Baptist. Those in the top left include Eve and Moses. Below Christ is Hades, represented by a dark abyss containing the shattered doors and parts of their locks and hinges.

Size 33 x 26 cm (13.0 x 10.2 inches)

The Raising of the Prophet Elijah

The Raising of the Prophet ElijahUnder fiery clouds, through which Elijah ascends to heaven in a chariot drawn by several horses, scenes depict his life. At the bottom right, Elijah, awaiting his death, lies on a bed while an angel exhorts him once again to have courage. To the left is his disciple Elisha, shown stretching his hands out to Elijah.

Size 28 x 35 cm (11.0 x 13.8 inches)

The Virgin Jerusalimskaya

Moeder Gods JeroesalimskajaThe archetypal icon, which is supposed to be the work of the evangelist Luke, came in 455 from Jerusalem via Constantinople to Kiev. The ruler Vladimir gave the icon as a gift to the citizens of Novgorod when they converted to Christianity. After Ivan the Terrible had subjugated Novgorod, he took the Virgin as booty to Moscow.

Size 27 x 35 cm (10.6 x 13.8 inches)

Mary Magdalene in the Garden with Christ

Mary Magdalene in the Garden with ChristMary Magdalene recognies Jesus in the garden after his Resurrection and says in Hebrew “Rabboni” (Master). Jesus says: “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father”. At the sepulchre is the empty tomb with the grave clothes that were wrapped around the body of Christ. John 20:1-18.

Size 42 x 28 cm (16.5 x 11.0 inches)

The Entry into Jerusalem

The Entry into JerusalemIn the centre of this icon, Christ is riding on a colt* to Jerusalem. The apostles, led by Peter, follow their Lord. In the foreground children are spreading clothes and branches on the ground. The branches are taken from the trees in the centre. To the right, the citizens of Jerusalem come to greet Christ. This is described in John 12:12-15, Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:28-40. (*Matthew and John describe Jesus riding on an ass, Luke uses the word colt, which is a young horse)

Size: 41 x 30 cm (16.1 x 11.8 inches)

The Raising of Lazarus

The Raising of LazarusThe most impressive miracle done by Jesus in the presence of his disciples and followers was the raising of Lazarus, who had already been in his grave for three days. This event was celebrated by the earliest Christian communities as a prophecy of the resurrection of Christ himself. In spite of all the people in the icon, it emanates an atmosphere of serenity and one’s eye is drawn to Christ, pointing with his arm to Lazarus raised from the dead.

Size: 42 x 28 cm (16.5 x 11.0 inches)

The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor

The Transfiguration on Mount TaborThis event has been one of the most important days to celebrate in the Greek Orthodox Church since the 6th century. The icon represents the events as described in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:1-12 and Luke 9:28-36. Christ is standing in a dazzling light on a mountain, with Moses to his right and Elijah to his left. Kneeling below him is the apostle Peter who is pointing to Christ, with the apostles James and John beside him.

Size: 41 x 28 cm (16.2 x 11.0 inches)

The Nativity

The NativityChrist is lying in a manger in a cave. The Virgin is lying on a bed. At the bottom left, the child is being given his first bath. Nearby Joseph is deep in thought, with a shepherd in front of him. In the top left, the three wise men on horseback point to the star of Bethlehem. Over the cave is a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. To the right, an angel proclaims the birth to the shepherds. Luke 2:1-20.

Size: 38 x 48 cm (15.0 x 18.9 inches)