ANTIQUE c. LATE 19th CENTURY ORTHODOX CRUCIFIX with SAINT BARBARA a.k.a. VARVARA

Description: Antique medium-sized (approx. 1-1/4" tall with solid bale) Orthodox Crucifix pendant featuring iconic images of the Crucified Savior (obverse) and Saint Barbara with the Instruments of the Passion (reverse). Origin likely late Imperial Russia, c. late 19th - early 20th century. The Crucifix appears to have been made from bronze or similar historical copper alloy of unknown composition. The item shows significant visible signs of wear and aging consistent with its age, such as reduced quality of artwork, deformations, scratches, dents or chipped off particles of metal, and patches of patina/oxidation. Most of the original thick patina has been removed using a complex procedure of cleaning and polishing. The size of the pendant is shown on the photographs for this listing. The obverse bears an image of the Crucified Savior depicted according to the Orthodox iconographic tradition, with the "INRI" nameplate ("IHЦI" in the Cyrillic transliteration) and the Sacred Name of Jesus inscribed as the ancient "IC XC" Christogram next to Savior's head. The reverse has a complex artistic design with small icons positioned in the centerpiece and crossbar ends. The top crossbar end bears an icon of the Resurrected Christ giving a blessing with His hands. The left and right side crossbar ends show symbolic images of the Instruments of the Passion, the Cross and the sword on one side, and the pillar with the whip on the other. The bottom crossbar end displays an iconic image of St. Barbara (Varvara in the Orthodox tradition) depicted holding a cross and a chalice symbolizing her martyrdom. The icon is identified with abbreviated inscription in Church Slavonic in the centerpiece above meaning "ST. GREAT MARTYR VARVARA". St. Barbara was an early Christian (c. 3rd century) Greek Martyr Saint. She is venerated as one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers", and a patron Saint of artillery, missile and air defense military specialists, armorers, firemen, mathematicians, chemical engineers and miners. Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference and artistic background. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International shipping is handled by Ebay. International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.

Price: 49 USD

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2025-01-04T01:58:10.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD