Large Icon Of Easter And Great Feasts, Russia Around 1800, Vetka School

Large and sumptuous icon of the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell surrounded by 12 miniature representations of the Great Feasts of Christianity: Nativity, Baptism of Christ, Birth of the Virgin, Dormition, etc.
This fascinating composition dates from the end of the 18th or the beginning of the 19th century -- around 1780/1820.
Its style, its palette and its great refinement allow us to attribute it to the iconographic school of Vetka in the movement of the "Old Believers". From the 17th century, the "Old Believers" opposed the patriarchs and the tsars of Russia aiming to reform, standardize and modernize the traditional Orthodox Church. They were persecuted for centuries. The Vetka school takes its name from the village of Vetka -- now located in Belarus -- which was founded by the Old Believers in 1782 following their forced exile.
Painted on a wooden panel with tempera (paint based on egg yolk and natural pigments), this icon is distinguished by its splendid gilding and vibrant colors, giving the entire composition an exceptional luminosity.
It is particularly well preserved. Minor wear and tear, tiny losses and cracks. The wooden panel is also very healthy and structurally solid.
This icon is sold with its certificate of authenticity and a complete description of the work.
Superb and rare collector's item.
Dimensions: (H) 53.5 cm by (W) 44 cm