The word and the image

Abstract

The article analyses and discusses a connection between old Russian verbal characterization of saints and Christian scenes and their depiction by icon painters in icons, i.e. verbal images and the images made with the help of lines and brushstrokes. It is shown that a closer acquaintance with a number of Old Russian Christian worship and narrative texts may lead to a profound penetration into the spiritual essence of the masterpieces of iconic art. A modern man who, as a rule, is aware only of the name of an icon can not understand its meaning by mere contemplation. It is preferable to know the meaning put in by an icon-painter who worked hundreds of years ago, who knew the traditions and the legends of the saint whose image he was creating. The article suggests a comparison of Old Russian icons “Nativity”, “Transfiguration”, “Holy Trinity” and the images of some saints.

Keywords:

icons, the Nativity of Christ, Transfiguration, Holy Trinity, images of saints