Russian Orthodox cross, 19th century

Important and beautiful Russian Orthodox cross in gilt bronze and enamel dating from the 19th century.
Private collection.
Perfect condition.
Dimensions: h.36 cm x l.18.5 cm.
The Orthodox cross is a variant of the Christian cross, the religious symbol of Christianity. It retains its shape, but adds a small horizontal bar (known as a crossbar) above the main one, to represent the sign hung on Pontius Pilate's orders, and an additional short crossbar at an angle near its base, representing the support of Christ's feet. The orientation of this footrest differs according to tradition. According to Russian Orthodox custom, the crosspiece is tilted to the right, in the direction of the Evil Thief, thus pointing in the direction of hell, while the Good Thief is elevated to paradise and located at Christ's right hand.
In other churches, such as the Greek Orthodox, the footrest remains straight.