1994 Danbury Mint - Church of the Intercession - Moscow, Russia w/ COA Doc - VGC

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1994 - Danbury Mint - Wonders of Russia - Church of the Intercession - Moscow, Russia. Approximately 10" x 8" x 7.75" - Church with stand. This item is used and is in very good condition. Certificate of Ownership document is included in this listing, along with a card describing the Church of the Intercession. See pictures for details. Serial Number A4816 Wonders of Russia - Church of the Intercession. At first glance, this splendidly decorated church on the banks of the Moskva River appears as a fabulous apparition out of a fairy tale. Onlookers are instantly captivated by its central dome which rises majestically skyward, flanked by an octahedral drum and eight-cornered belfry. Fabulous domes, crowning the altar and porches, arch magnificently towards the signature central tower. The overall impression is best summed up by an old, oft-quoted description of the Church calling it "proper, balanced, shapely and seemly."In 1692, the first cassocks and albs were crafted for a church designed to inspire reverence and awe to all who visited. The ground floor, known as the podklet, originally housed the winter church which was heated. The main portion of the structure became known as the Church of the Soudarium.Inside, the Church's gallery is rimmed with wide white-stone staircases to heighten the beauty of the soaring architectural forms. Tiers divide this horizontal thrust, stepping skyward and leading the eye to incredible grandeur. Sunlight filtering in through the green glass of the large windows washes over carvings of grape clusters, cornices, soaring arch frames, and the beautiful tsar's pew. Gazing ever higher, our eyes land on the building's crowning achievement -- the New Testament Trinity with its awesome top-tier iconostasis. Finally, perched atop the magnificent central dome stands an openwork cross said to be among the most beautiful ever carved. In fact, Peter the Great donated the extraordinary sum of 4,000 rubles for decorating the church. Because of his blood relationship with the tsarist family, a double-headed eagle, the symbol of Russian autocracy, was affixed to both the eastern and western crosses.The rare composition of the five-domed church transcends traditional design, amazing onlookers with its dynamic range of architectural imagery. This is partially due to a fanciful exterior, festooned with handsome carved white stone tracing over the red brick, which lends an enchanting impression. The spectacular marriage of core design and external decorating scheme is flawless -- from the Church's crowning snow-white peaked pediments and gossamer comb-like bands to its marvelous platbands and exquisitely understated, multi-sized columns.Much of the Church's breathtaking beauty is derived from subtle variations of vertical elements as they rise to the heavens: its platbands become more intricate, columns lighter and ornamental carvings closer to the main structure. Handsomely carved alabaster parapets cleverly conceal passages between tiers. The overall effect is to transform the enormous structure into an airy sculpture, light and open, infused with an aura of uplifting hope and drama.As you admire your fabulous, hand-crafted replica of the Church of the Intercession, note how the artisans have captured its magnificent symmetry and wondrously rich detailing. Historians the world over cite the Church of the Intercession as among a handful of the finest churches ever conceived and built. Now, it can continue to stand for future generations in your family as a cherished heirloom. Check out our Ebay store for additional collectible items, including many other Danbury Mint collectibles. May combine shipping if purchasing two or more items. If interested in combined shipping, please send an email prior to payment to receive a combined shipping invoice. read more

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