The Harrowing of Hades is the icon most often used to represent the Resurrection of Christ: the Feast of Feasts, Pascha (Easter). In this scene, Christ is seen coming out of the dark pit of Hades, bringing with Him all of the righteous Old Testament saints. The Lord is pulling Adam and Eve out, having smashed the gates that kept them captive. This is the great and universal triumph of life over death, light over darkness. It is an exact depiction of the Orthodox paschal hymn, "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!"
This fresco is one of the most famous depictions of the paschal scene, painted in the apse of the funeral chapel of the Church of the Holy Savior in the Country (usually known simply as Chora), outside the walls of Constantinople.
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Outstanding Workmanship!
Every Icon I’ve purchased from Legacy Icons has not disappointed! This was beautiful! I got the medium, protective wax for my son as a Pascha gift. He loved it. We buy one another icons from Legacy because they are high quality, affordable and beautiful! He is Eastern Orthodox and I am Roman Catholic so this has been a beautiful way we have bonded in our Catholic faith together. Thank you so much! May God continue to bless the works of your hands!
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Beautiful icon, but...
Yes, this IS a beautiful icon. However, the resolution is not as sharp as I was expecting. This is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. Perhaps this is because it is a photograph of an actual fresco?
Legacy Icons Response: Yes, this is a photograph of a fresco and it is the best quality photograph we have been able to source to date. If we come across a better photograph we will of course improve our printing quality as well. Many historic churches in Turkey are now threatened by the conversion of museums back into mosques. -
An Important Icon
Having been to Chora Church in Constantinople I can tell you that this is work of art is awe-inspiring but tragic due to what happened post 1453.
I bought this icon in extra large and it is very nice, especially the details our Lord's face. -
Beautiful icon
The icon image is truly beautiful and the colors are just as vibrant as depicted on the website. The icon has a good weight to it too (6 x 7 size). Overall, it seems very well made. It's the first time I purchase a "print" icon (i.e. a print glued onto an icon board) so my only concern is whether the print will unglue/detach over time.
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