A Fine and Important Painted Wood Icon Crucifix
Attributed to Viktor Vasnetsov (Russian, 1848–1926)
Russia, late 19th century
Carved and polychrome wood
Height: 24.6 in.; Width: 14 in.
This striking crucifix—carved with trefoil ends and vividly painted with the crucified Christ—is attributed to Viktor Vasnetsov, one of the foremost artists of the Russian Revival and a leading figure in sacred art. Set into a rugged polychrome base carved to resemble Golgotha, the verso bears the instruments of the Passion, further linking it to liturgical tradition.
A nearly identical rendering of Christ by Vasnetsov appears in his painting for the mosaic of the Crucifixion above the western entrance to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg. The underside of the base bears a Russian inscription: “V. Vasnetsov – Abramstevo,” referring to the artist’s association with the famed Abramtsevo artists’ colony.
