The Harrowing of Hell (The Resurrection)

Dionysius (c. 1440–1502/03) — c. 1502–1503 · Tempera on panel (icon) · State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” — Revelation 1:18 (KJV)

About

Dionysius, the great Russian iconographer, painted this Harrowing about 1502–1503: Christ in white stands upon the smashed gates of hell, hauling Adam bodily from his tomb, kings, prophets, and the righteous crowding behind, angels binding demons below.

The Meaning

As in the Chora fresco, the Resurrection is shown as a rescue, not a private exit: Christ empties the realm of the dead. He holds the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18) — this icon simply shows Him using them.

For Us Today

Death could not hold Christ, and it cannot hold those who are in Him. O death, where is thy sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55) — Dionysius painted the answer standing on the broken gates.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.