The artwork titled “Crucifixion,” attributed to the artist “Orthodox Icons,” hails from the Galicia-Volyn school of iconography and dates back to circa 1600 to 1700. As part of the “Passion of Jesus” series, this icon embodies the stylistic and thematic characteristics typical of this period and region.
The artwork depicts a poignant and solemn scene central to Christian theology—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the center is Jesus, rendered with an expression of serenity, hanging on a cross. His head tilts slightly to one side, signifying his death. Flanking the cross are two significant figures: to the left, the Virgin Mary, draped in traditional robes, gazes upward in sorrow, while to the right, a figure often interpreted as John the Apostle, gestures with his hand, perhaps in a sign of blessing or sorrowful acknowledgment. The background is resplendent with golden hues, imbuing the scene with a sense of divinity and transcendent light. Symbols and inscriptions are interspersed throughout, including the inscriptions above the cross that signify Jesus’ title as “King of the Jews.” The base of the cross features a skull, traditionally representing Golgotha—the place of the skull—and underlying the theological connection to Adam’s burial site beneath the crucifixion.
