Harrowing of Hell 1450

This Orthodox icon, "Harrowing of Hell," depicts a significant event in Christian tradition, dating back to the 15th century. The image, housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, showcases the moment when Christ descended into the underworld and freed the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection. The icon's composition emphasizes the central figure of Christ, while angels are depicted above, symbolizing his divine power and triumph over death. The figures, rendered in the stylized manner characteristic of Byzantine art, convey a sense of awe and reverence, reflecting the enduring impact of this theological concept in Eastern Christianity.