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"The Crucifixion"
written by Ustinian Tilov
Catalog # 1.32
Medium: tempera on wood.
Hand-made according to the
Bulgarian Iconographic tradition and
techniques.
Possible heights:
A) 19 - 21 cm
B) 25 - 27 cm
C) 38 - 40 cm
As for the width, the proportions of the original
icon will
be kept.
The Crucifixion, second half of the 18th C., from the Rila Monastery. Tempera on wood, 44 x 38.5 cm. Now at the National Archaeological Museum, Sofia
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The scene is rendered according to the customary scheme with elements of realism in the general conventional style of icon painting: Christ with a relaxed body and closed eyes, and the Virgin in a swoonin the arms of the Holy Women surrounding her. To the right are John – the beloved disciple in a sorrowful gesture and the centurion Longinus pointing to the cross.
The splendid colour scheme, the vestments with their fine gold folds, the small faces with exquisite features, the slender figures and the large cross projected against the background of the blue sky, relieved of any architectural details, make the icon a brilliant example of late Bulgarian icon painting.