The hexaptych comprises two parts, each with three leaves of equal size with triangular top. The surface of the leaves, excepting the figures and the foreground on which they stand, is revetted with silver sheets bearing fine punched decoration. Nailed onto the triangular top of each leaf is a small horizontal tablet (deltos) of silver sheet, intended for the names of the figures portrayed, but which were never incised. The third leaf from the left on the first triptych constitutes the centre of the representation of the Deesis, towards which all the other figures converge. Depicted here is Christ in red chiton and deep blue himation, seated on a throne with high back and a two-stepped footstool. On his knees he holds the open gospel book, which he points to with his right hand. Right and left of Christ are the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist in pose of supplication; behind the throne stand two attendant angels.
Represented on the first leaf from the left of the first triptych are two hierarchs with the vestments of their rank, while on the second are a hierarch and the Apostle Peter in deep green chiton and light brown himation. Represented on the first leaf from the left of the second triptych are Saint Paul in dark blue chiton and red himation, and a saint deacon (Stephen ?) in white sticharion.
Read moreRepresented on the second leaf are Saints Boris and Gleb, in princely raiment, and on the third two unidentified saints (Vladimir and Olga?) dressed in red chiton and dark blue himation.
All the figures are shown full-bodied and with gestures of supplication. If the identification of the figures is correct, then the Deesis includes -apart from the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist-the leading Apostles, the three great Fathers of the Church, the first Christian martyr (Stephen) and the first martyrs of the Russian Church (Boris and Gleb), with its founders (Vladimir and Olga). The style of the painting points to the Moscow School in the sixteenth century.
The large rectangular frame was made especially for this particular hexaptych. It is wood carved and gilded with rather naturalistic vegetal decoration. The inner part of the carving is painted green. At the top are three tetralobe divisions containing painted representations. Depicted from left to right are: a) The Holy Trinity in the type of the Hospitality of Abraham; only the three angels are represented around a rectangular table with two superimposed tablecloths, a white one above and a purple one with gold fringing below. b) The Holy Trinity in the Western type, with the Son seated on the right of the Father in clouds, and the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove; the two figures hold between them the sphere of the Universe. c) The Synaxis of the Archangels, with Christ above within a circular mandorla, blessing with both hands.
