The Passion of Christ in the Shape of a Cross – Engraved Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph of the Passion of Christ in the Shape of a Cross

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

A magnificent icon featuring a relatively rare theme, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, rich with powerful symbolism. Jesus Christ is depicted at the center of the image, enveloped in white light, while below Him a dark abyss is visible, symbolizing Christ as the sole victor over death.

“And on the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures,” as stated in the Creed, referring to Christ’s triumphant resurrection from the dead. The Resurrection of Jesus signifies the passage from death to life, while also giving new meaning to both Life and Death through the Resurrection.

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

A beautiful depiction of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the center is the Cross of martyrdom, while below it, to the right, stands the Virgin Mary, and to the left, His beloved disciple and apostle, Saint John the Theologian. The Crucifixion of Christ is characterized as the ultimate sacrifice, an unparalleled act of love from Jesus for all humanity. For this reason, the Cross is considered the primary symbol of the Orthodox Church and Christianity in general, reminding believers of Christ’s Crucifixion and humanity’s salvation through His Passion and death. It symbolizes both Christ Himself and the Christian faith.

Baptism

A stunning depiction of the Baptism of the God-Man by John the Forerunner. According to Orthodox tradition and Byzantine iconography, the “Baptism” is rich in symbolism. Christ’s immersion in the waters of the Jordan River symbolizes His death and Resurrection. He is always depicted at the center, surrounded by rocks, entering the water, representing His descent into Hades. With His right hand, He blesses and sanctifies the waters. Angels worship with their hands covered as a sign of respect, or, according to another interpretation, they hold fabrics to welcome Jesus as He emerges from the Jordan. Lastly, Saint John the Forerunner barely touches Christ’s head, pouring water from the Jordan River, an indication of the reverence he feels toward the God-Man.

Deposition

The Deposition is frequently depicted in art and became a popular theme in Byzantine art from the 9th century and in the West from the 10th century. Depictions of the Deposition often include, in addition to the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, Christ’s faithful and beloved disciple, and three additional female figures, the three Marys, including Mary Magdalene.

According to Orthodox tradition, the Deposition was initiated by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, Jewish rulers and secret disciples of Christ. Joseph requested Christ’s body from Pilate to bury it. After receiving permission, they lowered it from the Cross, wrapped it in “clean linen,” and placed it in an empty tomb where the burial took place.

Ascension of the Lord

An exquisite depiction 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 the New Testament, the Ascension took place on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem in the presence of His disciples, who watched with awe as their Teacher departed. According to the Gospel of Luke, on the fortieth day, the Lord led His disciples “out as far as Bethany,” to the Mount of Olives, where He often prayed. “And He lifted up His hands and blessed them.” The Gospel of Mark notes that after explicitly commissioning His disciples to preach throughout the world, “He was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.”

Engraved Lithograph: Features

The work is entirely handcrafted, without the use of machinery, on engraved natural wood. It is the creation of Athanasios, an iconographer trained at the Athonite Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to the Byzantine art tradition as taught on Mount Athos. His works are coated with pure beeswax to ensure their longevity over time.

In this particular icon, the monk-iconographer utilized the lithography technique to create a uniquely beautiful piece. Specifically, by employing a lithographed reproduction of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this work following the traditional artificial aging method he learned in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. Notably, the artificial aging of the icon is done by hand, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos attach great importance.

Since the icon is handmade and the wood processing is entirely done by hand, slight variations in the dimensions of each icon may occur.

The icon is available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos