Andrei Rublev

For the 1966 Russian film, see Andrei Rublev (film).
St. Andrei Rublev

Russian Icon of St. Andrei Rublev, holding one of his works
Venerable Father (Prepodobne)
Born 1360-1370
Died 29 January 1427 or 1430
Andronikov Monastery, Moscow
Venerated in Eastern Orthodox Church
Anglican Communion
Canonized June, 1988, Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra by Holy Governing Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate
Feast 29 January, 4 July
Attributes Clothed as an Orthodox monk, often shown holding an icon

Andrei Rublev (Russian: Андре́й Рублёв, also transliterated Andrey Rublyov and other permutations,[1] born in the 1360s, died 1427 or January 29, 1430) is considered to be the greatest medieval Russian painter of Orthodox icons and frescoes.

Contents

Biography

There is little information about his life. It is not known where he was born. Andrei Rublev probably lived in the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra near Moscow under Nikon of Radonezh, who became hegumen after the death of Sergii Radonezhsky (1392).

The first mention of Rublev is in 1405 when he decorated icons and frescos for the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Moscow Kremlin in company with Theophanes the Greek and Prokhor of Gorodets. His name was the last of the list of masters as the junior both by rank and by age. Theophanes was an important Byzantine master who moved to Russia, and is considered to have trained Rublev.

Chronicles tell us that in 1408 he painted (together with Daniil Cherni) the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir and in 1425–1427 the Cathedral of St. Trinity in the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. After Daniil's death Andrei came to Moscow's Andronikov Monastery where he painted his last work, the frescoes of the Savior Cathedral.

He is also believed to have painted at least one of the miniatures in the Khitrovo Gospels.

Rublev's famous icon of the Trinity.

The only work authenticated as entirely his is the icon of the Trinity, ca. 1410 (shown at left), currently in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. It is based upon an earlier icon known as the "Hospitality of Abraham" (illustrating Genesis 18). Rublev removed the figures of Abraham and Sarah from the scene, and through a subtle use of composition and symbolism changed the subject to focus on the Mystery of the Trinity.

In Rublev's art, two traditions are combined: the highest asceticism and the classic harmony of Byzantine mannerism. The characters of his paintings are always peaceful and calm. After some time his art came to be perceived as the ideal of Church painting and of Orthodox iconography.

Andrei died at Andronikov Monastery on January 29, 1430 (this date is still questionable). His work has influenced many different artists including Dionisy. At the Stoglavi Sobor (1551) Rublev's icon style was announced as a model for church painting. He was canonized a saint in 1988 by the Russian Orthodox Church. The church celebrates his feast day on January 29[2] and July 4.[2][3][4]

Andrei Rublev is honored with a feast day on the liturgical of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America on January 29.

Since 1959 the Andrei Rublev Museum has been open at the Andronnikov Monastery, displaying the art of his works and his epoch.

In 1966, Andrei Tarkovsky made his celebrated film, Andrei Rublev loosely based on the artist's life, which shows him as "a world-historic figure" and "Christianity as an axiom of Russia's historical identity"[5] during a turbulent period in the history of Russia.

Selected works

Nativity of Jesus, 1405 (Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow Kremlin)

Baptism of Jesus, 1405 (Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow)

Annunciation, 1405 (Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow)

Version of the Theotokos of Vladimir, ca. 1405

St. Michael, 1408 (Iconostasis at Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

St. Gabriel, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

St. Andrew the First-called, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

St. Gregory the Theologian, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

Theotokos from Deësis, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir) Some think this may be the work of Theophanes the Greek

St. John the Theologian, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

St. John the Baptist, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

Savior in Glory, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)

Harrowing of Hell, 1408-1410 (Vladimir)

Christ the Redeemer ca. 1410 (Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)

Ascension, 1408 (Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)

Apostle Paul, 1410s (Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Getty Union Artist Name List, which prefers "Rublyov", but "Rublev" is more commonly found
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Saint Herman Calendar 2006. Platina CA: Saint Herman of Alaska Brotherhood. 2006. pp. 12, 56 
  3. ↑ Church Calendar (Russian)
  4. ↑ "Moscow Patriarchate Glorifies Saints". Orthodox America. Issue 82, Vol. IX, No. 2, August, 1988. http://www.roca.org/OA/82/82e.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-16. 
  5. ↑ Hoberman, Jim. "Andrei Rublev". The Criterion Collection. http://www.criterion.com/asp/release.asp?id=34&eid=50&section=essay. Retrieved 2007-12-06. 

External links