As you know, many biblical subjects are reflected in world art. To a large extent this applies to scenes from the New Testament. For example, the theme of the Annunciation has become widespread in world art. Pictures with this plot we can meet in all Christian countries.
Briefly consider these works on Russian art.
Ancient plot of the icon
Icons with the theme of the Annunciation appeared in Russian art in the Christian era. However, at first they belonged to the brush of Byzantine masters.
Only much later did the original Russian plots begin to be created.
You can consider the icon belonging to the brush of the famous icon painter Andrei Rublev. It was written allegedly in 1408. Two figures are depicted on a golden background: the Virgin in red robes and an angel holding out her hands.
The overall tone of the icon is gentle and exciting. The Virgin Mary bows her head in a sign of submission to the divine will. The angel is beautiful and calm. His Face is full of divine tranquility and depth of faith.
As a matter of fact, in this artistic embodiment of the biblical story, there is already everything that will amaze the imagination of the descendants of the great icon painter: the Annunciation itself, the picture of Mary’s peaceful and quiet life, the wonderful appearance of the messenger of God to her.
Unwritten painting by A. Ivanov
The famous Russian artist Alexander Ivanov loved to write his works on religious topics. However, the master managed to complete not all of his canvases.
This also applies to his work called the Annunciation, a painting that has survived only in outline form.
By the way, Ivanov largely follows the Russian icon-painting tradition. The background of the canvas, which the artist chooses, is also golden, although the soft shadows of the Greek columns are visible. In the center of the canvas is the figure of the Virgin in her traditional clothes. The figure of the Mother of God is all surrounded by a radiance that emanates from a nearby angel, dressed in white robes.
The angel blesses the beautiful Mary, who quietly lowers her head in a sign of her submission to the will of God.
The picture is light and airy, written with the help of partial shade. It is a pity that this canvas in its entirety was never presented to the audience.
Creation Nesterov
Mikhail Nesterov also made a significant contribution to the development of Russian art. The artist was also interested in the theme of the Annunciation. Pictures with this plot are in the work of this Russian painter.
Consider one of the most famous paintings.
There are two figures in the picture: the angel who came to declare the good news to Mary, and the Virgin Mary herself.
The Mother of God is dressed in blue and white clothes, her face is beautiful, her eyes are half-closed, it would seem that young Mary is completely lost in thought about what she read (she holds a book in her hands).
An angel in white robes with powerful wings comes down to her from heaven and carries a beautiful lily in her hands as a sign of her being chosen by God.
The picture itself immerses the audience in an atmosphere of purity and mystery of everything that happens.
Annunciation: paintings by contemporary artists: plot features
And finally, consider another work dedicated to this famous biblical story.
This picture was painted recently - in 2005. It belongs to the pen of the contemporary Russian artist Andrei Shishkin.
It is interesting that the author, as it were, combines classical painting and the traditions of Russian icon painting.
Before us is the seated Virgin Mary reading a book. An angel approaches her from above and hands her a lily. The face of the angel is young and calm, Mary is somewhat surprised. A white shawl, which is in harmony with her blue robe, slightly falls off her head.
The picture itself immerses the audience in an atmosphere of beauty and grandeur of the biblical plot.
Thus, the theme “Annunciation” found a vivid embodiment in Russian art. Pictures of Russian artists dedicated to its embodiment can be easily seen in many museums in our country.
These works are characterized by a certain continuity. All of them embody the plot, which the Russian icon conveyed to the audience: the image of Mary and the angel, the general light mood of the action.
Therefore, the theme of the Annunciation, the paintings of artists written for this plot, are included in the treasury of Russian pictorial art.