Description

Icon art

Boxed

15 x 15cm

Gold/Silver embossed

This icon is a beautiful modern adaptation of traditional Byzantine and Romanesque styles. It is designed in the shape of a cross-fleurée (a cross with flared or “blossoming” ends), which symbolizes the Cross as the “Tree of Life.”

The central text on the icon reads “GESÙ RISORTO,” which is Italian for “Jesus Resurrected.”

Key Scenes and Symbolism
The icon acts as a visual narrative of the Paschal Mystery (the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ).

Center: The Anastasis (The Resurrection/Harrowing of Hell)
The central and largest image depicts Christ in a mandorla (the almond-shaped light behind him), stepping on the shattered gates of Hades. He is reaching out to pull Adam and Eve from their tombs, symbolizing the liberation of humanity from death.

Left Arm: The Last Supper
This scene shows Jesus gathered with his disciples. The circular table and the prominent chalice emphasize the institution of the Eucharist.

Right Arm: The Crucifixion
This shows Jesus on the cross, flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist. Even in this scene of suffering, the gold background emphasizes the divinity and ultimate victory of the event.

Top Arm: The Ascension/Cloud of Witnesses
The top section appears to show Christ ascending or seated in glory, surrounded by the heavenly host or apostles, representing the completion of his earthly mission.

Artistic Style
Neo-Byzantine Influence: The use of gold leaf (or gold-colored foil), the almond-shaped mandorla, and the stylized, elongated figures are hallmarks of Eastern Orthodox iconography.

The Material: Based on the high-gloss finish and the textured gold border, this appears to be a silkscreened or lithographed icon mounted on wood. This style is very popular in Italy (as indicated by the Italian text) and is often produced by religious communities or specialized art studios like those in the Fratelli Bonella tradition.

Note: The “broken doors” at the bottom of the central panel are a classic iconographic detail. They often include scattered locks and keys, signifying that Christ has permanently broken the “chains of death.”