The artwork, titled “Glorification of the Cross (back side of ‘Christ Acheiropoietos’)” by the Orthodox Icons, was created circa 1150 to 1200. Executed in tempera on wood, this piece is part of the Novgorod school of icon painting and belongs to the genre of iconography. It forms a part of the “Passion of Jesus” series and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork is a striking example of the Novgorod school of icon painting, featuring a highly stylized and symbolic depiction of the Christian reverence for the Holy Cross. Set against a gold background, the central cruciform structure dominates the composition, embellished with intricate detailing and religious symbolism. Flanking the cross are solemn angels, positioned with reverence and grace, emphasizing the sanctity and divine nature of the scene. The iconographic elements, including celestial beings and inscriptions, reflect the deep spiritual and theological themes prevalent in Byzantine and Orthodox Christian art of the period. The artwork’s condition and patina speak to its historical provenance, evoking a sense of reverence and continuity with the past.