Old Russian painting is directly related to the art of Byzantium, more precisely, is its powerful branch. Since its development is associated with the baptism of Russia, the main drawings depicted the faces of the saints and biblical subjects. The names of the works of ancient Russian painting are proof of this: "The Annunciation of Ustyuzh", "Our Lady of Orant", "Christmas of Christ". This direction has existed for several centuries.
Picturesque era
The history of ancient Russian painting is divided into two major periods. The first lasted from the middle of the IX to the XIII century. It is called the art of Kievan Rus.
The second period is associated with the formation of the Moscow state. During its development (from the 13th to the 17th centuries) an incredible number of the most valuable works of art were written. Large periods, in turn, are divided into smaller stages, which are associated with certain historical events that have left their imprints on images and storylines. The names of the works of ancient Russian painting, which were created in the pre-Christian period, are unknown.
Pagan faith in the spirits of the elements, worship of them, left us the legacy of the horns of the tour, encrusted with thin silver, various images of the sun, birds, flowers - all that people of that time believed in. In Kiev, there are preserved temples with idols dating back to 980. Images of ancient Russian painting were associated with Perrun, Khors, Makosha and other pagan gods.
The role of Byzantium in the artistic development of Russia
The history of the development of the Byzantine branch began with the baptism of Rus by Prince Vladimir. Many masters were invited to erect temples and teach this craft and icon painting of local craftsmen. The oldest church was wooden. Unfortunately, it has not been preserved.
At the beginning of the XIII century, the army of Batu devastated almost all Russian cities. In the surviving Pskov and Novgorod, craftsmen continued to create. One of them was the famous Theophanes the Greek, a native of Byzantium. He worked himself and trained apprentices, one of whom was Andrei Rublev. The names of the ancient Russian paintings of the icon painter - "Annunciation", "Archangel Gabriel", "Descent into Hell" and many others - are widely known even to those who are not deeply interested in art.
Iconography Rublev
The icons and murals of Andrei Rublev became a role model for all other generations. All of them are permeated with contemplation and humility, warmth and love for Christ. This characteristically distinguishes his work from the works of Theophanes the Greek, who taught Rublev. The Byzantine master wrote energetically and tragically, he created. Andrei Rublev invested part of his own soul in each of his plot. The ancient Russian painting of the icon painter does not leave indifferent neither connoisseurs nor ordinary people.
Towards the end of the 15th century, when Russia got rid of the yoke of the Tatar-Mongol, Moscow began to flourish and turned into a real center - the capital of a powerful state. The architecture was in full swing. The Moscow Kremlin was upset beyond recognition. A large architectural ensemble appeared that adorned Cathedral Square. The temples were decorated with a huge number of icons and frescoes of extraordinary beauty.
Whole world
At that moment, applied art flourishes again . The princely and boyar families began to order the masters unique carved objects, cups, dishes, most of which were presented to monasteries and temples.
The sewing of ancient Russia is widely known. A significant part of it is represented in the
Solovetsky Monastery. Craftswomen embroidered the veil “Cyril of Belozersky”, hiking iconostases, “Our Lady of the Burning Fire” and others. All of them are presented in the Russian Museum and constitute a significant part of the artistic heritage of the Russian state.
The 17th century is famous for its splash in architecture. The most important asset is the Armory, created by the best craftsmen. The same time was marked by the beginning of portraiture in Russia. The royal faces were portrayed using the icon-writing technique. The names of the works of ancient Russian painting in Parsun art are widely known, for example, "The Chinese Cross" by Bogdan Saltanov.
The events of 1917 led to the rule of atheism. Many monuments of ancient Russian painting and architecture were lost forever, which led to the inability to study the great Orthodox era. However, after many years, interest in its history prevailed and now, at its peak, icons are again taking their rightful places in Russian churches.