Entry of Christ into Jerusalem

Origin
Russia/Palekh
Age
around 1820
Size
31.0 cm x 26.0 cm
Previous owner
Private collection Eastern Switzerland

Description

Palm Sunday: the beginning of Holy Week and its symbolism in the Christian tradition

Holy Week, also known as Holy Week, is the most important week in the Christian church year and marks the last days of Christ’s life before his resurrection at Easter. A central part of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, which heralds the beginning of this special week.

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he was greeted by a cheering crowd with palm branches. These palm branches symbolize victory, peace and salvation, and their use is still a tradition in many Christian services on Palm Sunday. The faithful often carry palm branches or other green branches in processions to commemorate the events of over 2000 years ago.

Palm Sunday has a double meaning: it is a day of triumph and joy, as Jesus is received as King, and at the same time it marks the beginning of the Passion story, which leads to Jesus’ crucifixion and death. In many churches, the Passion story is read or sung on this day to prepare the faithful for the coming days of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday is celebrated with elaborate processions and special services, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox churches. These rituals are not only a reminder of the historical event, but also serve to introduce the faithful to the deep spiritual meaning of Holy Week. Palm Sunday thus forms the festive prelude to Holy Week, which culminates in Easter.

 

Christ’s entry into Jerusalem:

At the center of the icon is the depiction of Jesus sitting on a donkey. People spread out their clothes beneath him to honor him. Christ’s disciples follow on the left. Who stand by him on the way to Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem who have come to greet him are depicted on the right-hand side of the icon.

In the upper left part of the icon is a rocky mountain range depicting the last miracle of Christ – the resurrection of Lazarus. This miracle is a symbol of Jesus’ power over death and points to the coming resurrection. On the right-hand side of the upper part of the picture is the cityscape of Jerusalem, which marks the destination of Jesus’ journey.

This icon was commissioned by the renowned Palech School of Painting. This school of painting is known for its outstanding loupe painting.

The icon was commissioned by a private individual and impresses with its fine detail work and precise execution. This brings the biblical event to life.

A reference to the biblical passage MK 11:1-11 provides additional context and invites you to read the event in the original text. This biblical passage describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the symbolic actions associated with it.

The icon is not only an impressive work of art, but also a profound spiritual symbol that recalls the events that form the foundation of the Christian faith.

Very good condition.
A rare collector’s item!