The Passion of Christ in the shape of the Cross – Excavated Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph with the Passion of Christ in the shape of a Cross

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Wonderful image, with a relatively rare theme, that of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a theme filled with powerful symbolism. Jesus Christ can be seen in the center of the image, wrapped in white light, while underneath a dark abyss emerges, that is, Christ is presented as the only victor over death.

“And rise again on the third day according to the Scriptures,” the Creed says of Christ’s triumphant resurrection from the dead. The Resurrection of Jesus symbolizes the passage from death to life, while at the same time through the Resurrection Life and Death acquire another meaning.

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

A wonderful representation of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the center is the Cross of martyrdom, while below and to his right is the Virgin Mary and on the left his favorite disciple and apostle, St. John the Theologian. The Crucifixion of Christ is characterized as the supreme sacrifice, an act of love without precedent by Jesus towards all mankind. This is why the cross is considered the main symbol of the Orthodox Church and the Christian religion in general, as it recalls the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the salvation of people through His Passion and death. It therefore symbolizes both Christ Himself and the faith of Christians.

Baptism

A wonderful representation of the Baptism of the God-man by John the Baptist. According to Orthodox tradition, as well as Byzantine hagiography, “Baptism” is full of symbolism. Christ’s immersion in the water of the Jordan River symbolizes His death and Resurrection. He always appears in the center surrounded by rocks entering the water, a scene symbolizing the descent into Hades, while with his right hand he seems to bless and sanctify the waters. Angels who worship have their hands covered in respect or, according to another version, hold cloths to welcome Jesus as soon as he emerges from the Jordan River. Finally, St. John the Baptist barely touches Christ’s head by pouring water from the Jordan River, an indication of the awe he feels towards the God-man.

Deposition

The Deposition is often depicted in art and became a popular theme in Byzantine art from the 9th century, while in the West from the 10th^century. In addition to the Virgin Mary, John the Evangelist, the faithful and beloved disciple of Christ, and three other female figures, the three Marys, including Mary Magdalene, often appear in the depictions of the Deposition.

According to Orthodox tradition, the Deposition took place on the initiative of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who were Jewish rulers and secret disciples of Christ. Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus’ body to be buried, and after obtaining permission, they took it down from the Cross, wrapped it in a “clean shroud” and carried it to an empty monument, where the burial took place.

Ascension of the Lord

A wonderful representation of the Ascension of the Lord. After His Resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ did not immediately leave the world, but continued for forty days to appear to His disciples. According to New Testament descriptions, the Ascension took place on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem before His disciples, who watched in awe as their Master was removed. According to the Gospel of Luke, on the fortieth day, the Lord “carried his disciples out to Bethany,” to the Mount of Olives where he usually prayed. “And having lifted up his hands, he blessed them.” The evangelist Mark reports that after the disciples were explicitly sent to the whole world, “he ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.”

Engraved Lithography: Features

The work is crafted entirely by hand, without machinery, in carved natural wood. It is the work of hagiographer Athanasios, a student of the Athonite Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to Byzantine art as he was taught it on Mount Athos. His works are covered with pure beeswax so that they remain unchanged over time.

In this particular icon, the hagiographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of unique beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the hagiography workshops of the Athonite State. In fact, the artificial aging of hagiography is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos pay particular attention.

As the image is handmade and the wood is processed entirely by hand, there may be slight variations in the dimensions of each image.

Image available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos