18th Century Russian Orthodox “Radiant Crown” Pectoral Cross – Golgotha & Passion Symbols

- Listing by Walter Jr

 This wonderful old cross has clearly traveled a very long road. 

 Dating to approximately the 18th century, this antique Russian Orthodox pectoral cross belongs to an especially interesting type sometimes called the “Radiant Crown.” Cast in an old copper or bronze alloy, its wonderfully primitive form is filled with Christian symbolism which would have been immediately understood by the person who once wore it.

 At the heart of the design is Golgotha — the Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

 Surrounding the Cross are projecting rays, giving the little object its unusual and almost sun-like appearance. These radiant forms beautifully express the victory and glory of the Cross — no longer simply the instrument of Christ’s suffering, but the means through which death itself was conquered.

 Also incorporated into the traditional imagery are the instruments of the Passion: the spear which pierced the side of Our Lord, and the reed or cane associated with the sponge offered to Him during the Crucifixion. These ancient symbols appear again and again upon Russian Orthodox crosses and were meant to place the whole mystery of Calvary before the eyes of the believer. Similar 18th-century examples retain these very details.

 The radiating and almost growing forms surrounding the Cross may also recall the old Orthodox image of the “flourishing Cross” — the Cross transformed into the Tree of Life.Russian Christian art used flowering and growing forms around the Cross to express resurrection, renewal and the extraordinary Christian belief that the instrument of death itself had “blossomed” into the source of eternal life.

 This particular example has tremendous age and devotional wear. Much of the original relief has softened almost completely from centuries of handling, wearing, burial or exposure, leaving behind only traces of the imagery that once covered its surface.

To me, that only makes it more moving.

 This was not made to sit behind glass. It was made to be worn against the body, carried through ordinary work, prayer, hardship and an entire human life. We will never know the name of the Christian who once wore it, but the wear upon its surface is a quiet testimony that this little Cross was no mere ornament.

The original suspension loop remains at the top, while the wonderfully irregular surface retains its deep old patina, mineral deposits and centuries of wear. One or more of the projecting rays may have suffered loss over its very long life; please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

 A remarkable little survivor from the Christian world of 18th-century Russia — centered upon Golgotha, the Passion of Our Lord, the Tree of Life and the greatest sign of our salvation:

the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ.