RARE ANTIQUE C. 19 CENT. ROMANIAN ORTHODOX " SKULL " CRUCIFIX ST. JOHN OF SUCEAVA
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4397136 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown |
| Featured Refinements: Antique Crucifix | Material: Bronze or similar copper alloy |
| Type: Pendant |
Rareauthentic antique large (over 2” long with bale) Romanian Orthodox Crucifixpendant featuring iconic depictions of the Crucifixion over the skull withcrossbones, or Adam's head, with multiple Saints and abbreviated inscriptionsmade in both Cyrillic and Latin alphabet. The obverse bears images of the HolySpirit depicted as dove above the crucified Savior, and two venerated OrthodoxSaints, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and St. Sergius of Radonezh. The reverse bears images of S...t. John the Newof Suceava depicted in the centerpiece, resurrected Jesus (top), the mostBlessed Virgin Mary, Saints George and Barbara (Varvara). The Crucifix appearsto be made from bronze or similar copper alloy. Origin likely circa late 19thcentury Romania. The Crucifix shows signs of wear due to its age and devotionalwearing. It is slightly bent, has superficial scratches, dents and patches ofdark patina or discoloration. The size of the pendant is shown on thephotographs for the listing. Theends of the crossbars are "budded", with shapes of three circles, or"buds" each. In a Christian context, such a design could symbolicallyrepresent the Holy Trinity, similarly to the three-leaved clover, or Shamrock. Theobverse of the crucifix bears a detailed iconic image of the Crucifixion, withthe four-letter "INRI" abbreviation in Cyrillic letters as anameplate in the top part of this crucifix. In addition, the left and rightsides just above Christ’s arms bear the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ inscribedas the "IC XC" Greek Christogram, the "IC" on the left, andthe "XC" on the right.Thetop “budded” crossbar end bears a symbolic image of the Holy Spirit depicted asdove and marked with two-letter Cyrillic abbreviation meaning “HOLY SPIRIT”.Thebottom “budded” crossbar end incorporates an image the skull with crossbones, or Adam's head. This image below Christ's feet refers to Golgotha (Calvary), the elevated site where Jesus was crucified, which the Bible says means"the place of the skull" in Hebrew. An ancient tradition of Catholicand Orthodox Churches held that it was also the burial place of Adam, thussymbolizing the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.Theleft and right side “budded” crossbar ends have iconic images of the twovenerated Orthodox Saints, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (at the right hand ofJesus; marked with Latin letter “N”), and St. Sergius of Radonezh (marked withtwo Cyrillic letters, “ПС” meaning “VENERABLE SERGIUS”).Thereverse bears a full-length portrait of Saint John the Newof Suceava, a Romanian Saint and Martyr of the 14th century. His name isinscribed in Romanian language next to the image as “Joan cel nou dela Suceava”.Thetop “budded” crossbar end bears an icon of Resurrected Christ giving a blessingwith His hands. The image is marked with the “IX” abbreviation.Theleft and right side “budded” ends have iconic images of the Most Blessed VirginMary (marked with a four-letter Greek abbreviation meaning “MOTHER OF GOD”) andSt. George depicted with his spear and marked with Latin letters “S.M.G.” meaning“SAINT MARTYR GEORGE”).Thebottom “budded” crossbar end bears an iconic image of St. Barbara (Varvara in theOrthodox tradition) marked with Latin abbreviation “S.M. VARV.” (“SAINT MARTYRVARVARA”).
