Descent into Hell

In the centre of the composition in the almond shaped transparent “glorious” halo is depicted Jesus dressed in the red clothes. The Savior trampling the broken gates of the hell leads Adam and Eve out of it. In the lower part of the composition is shown the elaborate depiction of the chaining of Satan and release of the righteous. In the upper segment of the icon there is a waist-length Deesis in the centre of which instead of the usual depiction of Christ is represented saint Nicholas the Wonderworker with martyr Nicetas and the reverend Barlaam of Khoutyn, saint healers Cosmas and Damian, martyresses Barbara and Juliana, saint Blasius and Niphon (?), archangel Michael and martyress Parasceva named “Friday” turning to him.

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