Russians inherited the tradition of icon painting
from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of
the mosaic and fresco tradition. During the 8th
and 9th centuries, the iconoclastic controversy in
the Orthodox Church called into question
whether religious images were a legitimate
practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the
use of images was in the end permitted, a
thorough distinction between profane art
intended to depict reality and sacred art
designed for spiritual contemplation was
established. Certain kinds of balance and
harmony became established as reflections of
divinity, and as such they invited careful
reproduction and subtle refinement rather than
striking novelty. Although this philosophy
resulted in a comparatively slow evolution of
style, icon painting evolved considerably over the
centuries. Icons are images intended to aid in
contemplative prayer, and in that sense, are
more concerned with conveying meditative
harmony than with laying out a realistic scene.
The central panel depicts the Resurrection of
Christ and the Descent into Hell. These scenes
are surrounded by twelve smaller panels
depicting events honored by major church
festivals. They are as follows, starting from the
upper left and moving clockwise: the Nativity of
the Virgin, the Presentation of the Virgin at the
Temple, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ,
The Baptism of Christ, the Transfiguration of
Christ, the Dormition of the Virgin, the Elevation
of the Cross, the Old Testament Trinity, The
Assumption of the Virgin, Christ’s Entry into
Jerusalem, and the Presentation of Christ at the
Temple. Representations of the four gospel
writers fill the corners along the engraved
border. Together, this spectacular icon
represents the central theme of Christianity.
Most impressive is how much iconography the
painter managed to squeeze into such a limited
space. Painted with stunning detail and minute
ascents throughout, this icon is a true work of
beauty that glows when the light shines against
its luminous gold leaf background.
- (PF.5979)
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