A FINE & IMPRESSIVE RUSSIAN ICON OF THE LAST JUDGMENT, 18TH CENTURY. Icons depicting the Terrible

A FINE & IMPRESSIVE RUSSIAN ICON OF THE LAST JUDGMENT, 18TH CENTURY. Icons depicting the Terrible Judgment or Last Judgment are often complex and vary from example to example. Like this example, they illustrate the events written about in chapter twenty in the Apocalypse, the Revelation of Saint John. In the second circular mandrola down from the top border at center, is a modified “Deisis” with Adam and Eve kneeling before Christ. At each side the Twelve Apostles join Christ in judging humanity (Matthew 19:28). Below is the altar “throne” (prestol) covered with the mantle of Christ, on which the book of life rests containing the deeds of all people. It is flanked by two angels supporting the cross recalling Matthew 25:34 and 25:41. The altar representation is the “Preparation of the Throne” (Greek Hetimasia) - the altar is the “throne” of Christ, readied for judgment. Multitudes are shown coming to the throne to be judged. Below is a naked human (soul) waiting, the weighing of his good and bad deeds on the Scales of Judgment.  Two demons try to weight the scales against the soul being judged. Still farther down and to the right, the earth and sea gives up their dead (Revelation 20:13), and animals and fish expel humans they have eaten. To the left, below the scales, the blessed enter Paradise. Saint Peter unlocks the door to admit them. Inside are seated Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with the souls of the righteous depicted as little children at their feet. Behind them stands RAKH RAZBOINIK, “Rakh the Repentant Thief.” On the lower margin the wicked, among them kings, bishops, and priests, are driven by demons into the Jaws of Hell. There, Satan (far right), is seated holding the soul of Judas, who still clutches a bag of silver.  A great serpent with inscribed white rings along its length winds up from Hell toward the heel of Adam (see Genesis 3:14 -15). Each ring represents a type of sin. Together the rings comprise the “tollhouse” through which the departed soul passes, being examined at each for the sin it represents. Along the base are chambers in which humans suffer the various “tortures of Hades” (Muki Ada). Below each specific chamber is inscribed the type of sin for which the above illustrated punishment is handed out, such as thieves, robbers, sinful, and immoral men and women, adulterers, murders, cheaters, and liars. At the upper left, in contrast, the blessed find peace in different rooms symbolizing the “many mansions” of John 14:2. At far right, rebellious angels driven from heaven by Saint Michael fall headlong as demons into Hell. On the far mid left, holy monks ascend to Heaven on wings, like angels. In the upper right corner God the Father, a dove and Christ represent the Holy Trinity.The abbreviated red inscription found along the top border identifies the composition; it reads “Image of the Terrible Judgment of God.” The sides with narratives describing the various scenes. Of high quality and in a very good state of condition. 21 inches x 17.75 inches (52 x 45 cm).