Details Category: Art of Ancient Rus' Published 01/16/2018 14:36 ​​Views: 3164

The name of Andrei Rublev became the personification of ancient Russian art.

Andrey Rublev- perhaps the most famous artist of medieval Rus'. His name is still heard today, but we know very little about his life.
Where and when he was born is unknown. They call his birthplace Moscow (1360?), and his place of residence is the Trinity Monastery.
The first chronicle mention of the “monk Andrei Rublev” dates back to 1405: at that time he, together with Theophan the Greek and Prokhor from Gorodets, decorated the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin with icons and frescoes. These frescoes have not survived.

Icon "Reverend Andrei Rublev"
Some information about him can be gleaned from chronicles. For example, the chronicle indicates that in 1408 he, together with Daniil Cherny, painted the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, the Church of the Holy Trinity in the Trinity Monastery. The frescoes have not survived. According to Epiphanius the Wise, Andrei Rublev painted this temple in the 1420s. After the death of Daniil Cherny, Andrei Rublev worked in the Moscow Andronikov Monastery, where he painted the Church of the Savior (his last work). But only small fragments of the ornament have survived to this day.
Most of Rublev's documented works have not reached us, except for two icons from the Deesis and seven icons from the festive row in the iconostasis of the Kremlin Annunciation Cathedral; part of the frescoes of the Vladimir Assumption Cathedral; the famous Trinity icon from the Trinity Church of the monastery of the same name.
Miniatures and initials of the Khitrovo Gospel are also attributed to Rublev (early 15th century, Russian State Library, Moscow); Our Lady of Tenderness from the Assumption Cathedral of Vladimir (c. 1408-1409); Zvenigorod rite, from which three icons have survived: with Christ the Savior, Archangel Michael and Apostle Paul (c. 1410-1420); fragments of frescoes on the altar pillars of the Assumption Cathedral in Gorodok (Zvenigorod) and on the altar barrier of the Nativity Cathedral in the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery near Zvenigorod.
But many more icons are attributed to the “Rublev circle,” although there is no way to confirm their authorship.
Andrei Rublev died in the Andronikov Monastery on January 29, 1428 (?). The Andrei Rublev Museum has been operating here since 1959, where you can get acquainted with the art of his era.
At the Stoglavy Cathedral in 1551, Rublev’s iconography was recognized as a model. In the 20th century a lot of attention was paid to this painter, his works were studied and restored, the minimal information about his life that was already known was clarified, his name was covered with a haze of romanticism. And after A. Tarkovsky’s famous film “Andrei Rublev,” the image of this artist attracted close attention even from those people who were far from both faith and icon painting. In 1988, he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as a saint.

The works of Andrei Rublev

Andrei Rublev Hall in the Tretyakov Gallery

Second half of the 14th – beginning of the 15th centuries. were noted in Rus' by their interest in moral and spiritual problems. Andrei Rublev embodied in his painting a new, sublime understanding of the spiritual beauty and moral strength of man. Therefore, his work is one of the pinnacles of Russian and world culture. The greatest masters of ancient Russian painting, including Dionysius, were deeply influenced by his work.

Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir

The Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir is an outstanding monument of white stone architecture of pre-Mongol Rus' (1158).
At the beginning of the 15th century. Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny were invited to decorate the temple. From their paintings, individual images of the large composition of the “Last Judgment”, which occupied the entire western part of the temple, and fragmentary images in the altar part of the cathedral have been preserved. Most of the frescoes that have survived to this day were painted in the 19th century.

This is the only surviving fresco painted by Andrei Rublev. Mention of her is in the Trinity Chronicle; it is also the only documented, accurately dated and preserved monument in the artist’s creative heritage.

Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir “Tenderness” from the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir (c. 1408)

The authorship of the icon is attributed to Andrei Rublev. I. E. Grabar, V. N. Lazarev, G. I. Vzdornov, O. S. Popova agree with this opinion.
M.V. Alpatov and E.S. Smirnova reject his authorship.
The “Tenderness” icon is one of the most ancient copies of “Our Lady of Vladimir”.

Our Lady of Vladimir

Icon "Trinity" (1411-1425/27)

This icon is the standard of Rublev’s work, his authorship is undoubtedly. One of the famous Russian icons.

Andrey Rublev "Trinity". Wood, tempera. 142 x 114 cm. State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow)
The icon depicts three angels. They sit at a table on which stands a bowl with the head of a calf. The figures of angels are arranged so that the lines of their figures form a kind of closed circle. The compositional center of the icon is the bowl. The hands of the middle and left angels bless the cup. Angels are motionless, they are in a state of contemplation, their gaze is directed to eternity.
In the background there is a house (the chambers of Abraham), a tree (the oak of Mamre) and a mountain (Mount Moriah).

Mamre oak (oak of Abraham)- the tree under which, according to the Bible, Abraham received God.

Mount Moriah (Temple Mount)- a rectangular square surrounded by high walls, towering above the rest of the Old City of Jerusalem at a height of 774 m above sea level.
The appearance of three angels to Abraham is a symbol of the consubstantial and trinitarian God (Holy Trinity). It was the Rublev icon that corresponded to these ideas. In an effort to reveal the dogmatic teaching about the Holy Trinity, Rublev minimized the details preceding the meal. The angels are talking, not eating, and in the icon all attention is focused on the silent communication of the three angels.
Above the angel symbolizing God the Father, Rublev placed the chambers of Abraham. The Mamvrian oak symbolizes the tree of life and recalls the death of the Savior on the cross and His resurrection (in the center). The mountain is a symbol of spiritual ascent, which is carried out through the action of the third hypostasis of the Trinity - the Holy Spirit.

Gospel Khitrovo

This is a handwritten Gospel from the late 14th century. It is called so by the name of its owner, boyar Bogdan Khitrovo. The manuscript was decorated with a precious frame and donated to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, where it was kept in the altar until 1920. Currently, the Gospel is in the collection of the Russian State Library.

The Gospel is richly decorated (headpieces, initials, miniatures and symbols of the evangelists). The origin of the manuscript is attributed to the Moscow school of Theophanes the Greek, and the authorship of a number of miniatures is attributed to his student, Andrei Rublev.

"Rublev's Angel"

Icons from the iconostasis of the Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity Monastery (c. 1428)

All researchers are unanimous in the opinion that the iconostasis belongs to the Rublev era and that, to one degree or another, Rublev and Daniil Cherny participated in its creation. The iconostasis is still poorly studied and not published in its entirety.
This is the only one of the first high iconostases of the early 15th century that has been preserved almost completely (only some of the icons have been lost).

Zvenigorod rank (c. 1396-1399)

“Zvenigorod rite” - three icons depicting the Savior, Archangel Michael and Apostle Paul (from the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery).
Presumably from the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Gorodok. For a long time it was attributed to the brush of Andrei Rublev, but in 2017 the attribution was given on the basis of high-tech comparisons with “Trinity”.

Nativity Cathedral in Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery (frescoes)

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery (Zvenigorod)
Founded at the end of the 14th century.

Images of the hermits Paul of Thebes and Anthony the Great. Some scientists attribute the authorship of the frescoes to Andrei Rublev.

Icon “John the Baptist” (mid-15th century)

The icon comes from the Nikolsky Pesnoshsky Monastery near the city of Dmitrov. It belonged to the Deesis half-figure rank of the Zvenigorodsky type. Attributed to Andrei Rublev.

Icon “The Savior is in Power” (beginning of the 15th century)

Attributed to Andrei Rublev or the "Rublev circle".

Andronicus Gospel (Moscow, first quarter of the 15th century).

The miniature “The Savior in Glory” was made by an artist from the Rublev circle. The manuscript does not contain direct dating, but its design is similar to such famous manuscripts as the Khitrovo Gospel.

Conclusion

Rublev's work is distinguished by two traditions: Byzantine harmony, sublime asceticism and the softness of style characteristic of Moscow painting of the 14th century. It is this softness, as well as concentrated contemplation, that distinguishes his works from other paintings of that time. Rublev's characters are most often depicted in a state of peaceful rest or prayerful state. This distinguishes his work from the expressive Theophanes the Greek. An atmosphere of quiet contemplation and goodness flows from the icons of Andrei Rublev. This silence is also present in the coloring - dim, calm; and in the roundness of figures; and in the harmony of lines, like a quiet melody. All of Andrei Rublev’s work is permeated with light. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that Rublev’s art is perceived as the ideal of church painting.

For the Russian people and world Orthodoxy, the icon painter Andrei Rublev became a symbol of art and a certain standard of the Russian person, the greatness of the Slavic spirit. The master’s icons and frescoes breathe harmony with the universe, reminiscent of a lost paradise, happiness and serenity.

Fans compare the icon painter's work to poetry. It is just as thorough, eternal and brilliant. Peering into the faces of the Rublev saints, you see self-sacrifice, beauty and greatness of man. Andrei Rublev understood the essence and spirit of faith in God, so the Russian Orthodox Church canonized the icon painter, canonizing him among the reverend saints.

Childhood and youth

The icon painter was allegedly born in 1360 on the territory of the Moscow Principality (other sources indicate Veliky Novgorod as Rublev’s birthplace). Information about the artist’s childhood, youth and family is extremely scarce. Historians and art historians, based on the surname Rublev, have suggested that Andrei’s ancestors on his father’s side are artisans.

The name Andrei Rublev was given after his monastic tonsure in a monastery on the left bank of the Yauza, known to us as Andronikov. The worldly name of the artist is not known. Researchers agreed that Andrei Rublev’s patronymic was Ivanovich: on the surviving icon of that time, they could discern the signature “Andrei Ivanov son Rublev.”

Iconography

The biography of the saint dates back to 1405 - this is the year of the first written mention of Andrei Rublev. The chronicle says that the monk Rublev, together with Theophan the Greek who arrived from Kafa and Prokhor the Elder, painted the walls of the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. Collaboration with icon painting luminaries was entrusted to the artist whose skill was not questioned. Art historians suggest that already in his youth Andrei Rublev had experience in Slavic artistic icon painting.

Working in tandem with Feofan, whose style of writing is called pictorial cursive for its precise and clear strokes, was an honor for the young master. The Greek icons amaze with their grandeur; the faces of the saints he depicts are stern and brilliant in every stroke. But having adopted the best in technology, Andrei Rublev developed his own style of icon painting, which does not contain the drama and severity of Theophan the Greek. Rublev's icons are filled with calm, clarity and harmony. Art critics point to the artist’s palette, as if inspired by a sunny summer day: here are golden fields with cornflower blue splashes, a scarlet dawn and a turquoise river.

The painting of the Annunciation Cathedral has been lost, but seven icons have been preserved in the cathedral iconostasis, which are attributed to the brushes of Andrei Rublev. It is believed that the artist painted the figures of the Apostle Peter and the Archangel Michael. His hand is recognized in the images of the martyrs Dmitry and George, as well as in icons dedicated to the main events of the Christian Church. The work of Andrei Rublev is called the fresco “Transfiguration”, where the “Rublev” palette is easily recognizable. The silhouette is inscribed in a circle, the apostles are located in a semicircle. Andrei Rublev considered the circle to be an ideal geometric figure; the circle is found in the works of the last decade.

At the beginning of the 15th century, Andrei Rublev, together with his comrade-in-arms Daniil Cherny, painted the Assumption Cathedral near Zvenigorod. Probably, the icon painter received an invitation from his godson, Prince Yuri of Zvenigorod. In the surviving frescoes, Rublev's technique is evident, but his brushes most likely belonged only to images of saints Florus and Laurus. The remaining icons were painted by artel artists, whose style was influenced by the work of Andrei Rublev. The icon painter’s works include three frescoes of the “Zvenigorod rank”.

The icon “Spas” embodied a new tradition, which marked the golden age of the heyday of Russian icon painting. The early works of Andrei Rublev include illustrations for the “Gospel of Khitrov”. The artist painted miniatures of the evangelists and their symbols. The miniature of an angel, a symbol of the Evangelist Matthew, is mesmerizing. The “Rublev” circle is encountered again, in the center of which is a walking winged young man. The composition seems to push the idea of ​​returning everything to normal. The miniatures for the “Gospel of Khitrov” echo the Byzantine tradition, but Andrei Rublev’s saints differ from the images of the Greeks in a certain spiritual calm, depth in spiritual life and detachment from the external.

The second written mention of the master dates back to 1408. It talks about the beginning of painting by Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny of the Vladimir Church. The masters painted the Assumption Cathedral, erected before the invasion of the Mongol horde. Frescoes of the Last Judgment of Rublev and Cherny were placed in the western part of the temple, on its vaults. This work of the master is the most famous of Vladimir. The images are not disparate canvases, but a single whole. Most researchers agree that the “Vladimir Mother of God” belongs to the master’s brush.

The Prophet Daniel with an angel pointing to the fresco of the Last Judgment, the righteous led by the Apostle Peter to heaven, trumpeting angels - in the Apocalypse of Andrei Rublev there is no edification and the desire to frighten, characteristic of Byzantine icon painters. Rublevsky's Last Judgment is more merciful; it gives hope for deliverance. At the end of 1408, the Tatar horde of Khan Edigei moved to Rus'. The army destroyed Serpukhov, Pereslavl, Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov, and approached Moscow. The Trinity Monastery was destroyed, and in 1410 the Tatars attacked Vladimir, destroying the Assumption Cathedral.

Traces of the icon painter are lost; nothing is heard of him for two decades. Perhaps during these difficult times for Rus', Andrei Rublev took refuge in the Andronikov Monastery. The restoration of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery began in 1422. The third mention of the master dates back to this period. Above the tomb of Sergius of Radonezh, instead of a burnt wooden one, a stone temple appeared. Abbot Nikon invited Andrei Rublev to paint it. The master created an icon in the Trinity Cathedral, which art critics call a masterpiece and the pinnacle of Rublev’s creative heritage.

The famous “Trinity” amazes with the perfection of its composition. And again Andrei Rublev resorts to the circle created by the figures of angels bent over the bowl. Art historians agree that the icons “Savior”, “Apostle Paul” and “Archangel Michael” belonging to the “Zvenigorod rite” belong to the brushes of Andrei Rublev. They are kept in the State Tretyakov Gallery. Other icons and frescoes attributed to Rublev are called by researchers the work of an artel or Rublev's contemporaries who copied his style.

Personal life

In his youth, Andrei Rublev was ordained as a monk. He gave up the desire to have a family and children. His whole life was devoted to serving God and creativity in the name of his glorification. There is no information about the artist’s relatives. It is unknown whether he had any brothers, sisters or nephews.

Death and memory

The icon painter died in the late autumn of 1428 from the plague epidemic that was raging in Moscow. Death overtook Andrei Rublev in the Andronikov Monastery, where in the spring he, together with Daniil Cherny, worked on his fourth work - the frescoes of the Spassky Cathedral (they have not survived). Soon after the icon painter his faithful colleague and friend left. According to legend, before his death Andrei Rublev appeared to Daniil Cherny, “in joy calling him to heaven.” Andrei's appearance seemed joyful and bright to Daniel.

The icon painter was buried near the bell tower of the Spassky Cathedral. In 1988, the artist was canonized and canonized, establishing July 17 as his memorial day. In the mid-1990s, archaeologists discovered the ancient throne of the Spassky Cathedral, and next to it the relics. They were attributed to the famous master, but the statement was soon recognized as erroneous.

Researchers call the generally accepted date of the artist’s death erroneous, claiming that Andrei Rublev died at the end of January 1430. Architect P. D. Baranovsky insists on the date January 29, 1430. The architect assured that it was precisely this that was carved on Rublev’s tombstone before it was lost. The Andrei Rublev Museum of Ancient Russian Art was built on this site, the founder of which was the architect Pyotr Baranovsky.

In the late 1940s, a reserve appeared in the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. The great Rublev is also remembered in Vladimir: a monument to the icon painter stands at the entrance to the park named after A.S. Pushkin. A crater on Mercury was named in honor of the saint, a series of commemorative coins and a postage stamp were issued. In 1966, the director shot the film drama “Andrei Rublev” at the Mosfilm studio. The original title of the painting, “The Passion of Andrew,” was abandoned. The film consists of eight short stories, in which the turmoil of the Middle Ages is described through the eyes of monk Andrei Rublev. The artist was played by actor Anatoly Solonitsyn.

Icons and frescoes

• Archangel Michael from the Deesis rank, 1414
• Ascension of the Lord, 1408
• Apostle Paul from the Deesis rank, 1410s. State Tretyakov Gallery (TtG)
• Savior in power, 1408
• Spas, 1410s
• Descent into Hell, 1408-1410. Tretyakov Gallery
• Nativity. Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin
• Archangel Michael, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• Archangel Gabriel, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• Our Lady, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• Gregory the Theologian, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• John Chrysostom, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• John the Theologian, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• John the Baptist, 1408
• Andrew the First-Called, 1408. Cycle of icons of the Deesis tier of the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir
• Annunciation, 1405
• Transfiguration, first quarter of the 15th century. Tretyakov Gallery
• Holy Trinity, 1410s. Tretyakov Gallery

On October 17, 1428, Andrei Rublev died. Many Orthodox icon painters are famous for their masterpiece icons, murals and paintings of biblical subjects. But Andrei Rublev is the most famous Russian icon painter, who painted not just icons, but real spiritual masterpieces, striking in their beauty and depth of meaning. Today we decided to talk about seven famous icons of Andrei Rublev.

Andrei Rublev is the most famous and revered master of the Moscow school of icon painting, book and monumental painting of the 15th century. Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in the rank of venerables. This man was distinguished not only by deep faith, but also by enormous talent.

Trinity

“Trinity” is the most famous icon of the reverend master icon painter Andrei Rublev. Now this masterpiece filled with spiritual beauty is exhibited in the Tretyakov Gallery. The icon itself was painted in the 20s of the 15th century based on a biblical story. The icon depicts three angels sitting at a table on which stands a cup, the meaning of which there are many versions about. Behind the angels you can see a mountain, a tree and a house. Angels symbolize the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity icon is one of the most revered icons in Orthodoxy.

Saved

“Spas” is another famous icon by Andrei Rublev, which was painted around 1410. The icon was poorly preserved - only part of the canvas with the face of Jesus Christ survived, to which, as you can see, Andrei Rublev gave Russian facial features. The icon of the Savior itself was found only in 1918 in the Assumption Monastery, which is located in Zvenigorod. She was lying in an old barn under a pile of firewood. Now the icon is exhibited in the Tretyakov Gallery.

Our Lady of Vladimir

In general, the image of the “Vladimir Mother of God” is one of the most revered in Orthodoxy. Today there is a version that Andrei Rublev painted the icon around 1409, copying it from a copy of the icon of the Evangelist Luke. It is known that Luke himself painted his Theotokos during her lifetime, and Andrei Rublev copied the icon from the very first copy. It is known that the icon is currently kept in the Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art named after Andrei Rublev.

Annunciation

“The Annunciation” is an equally famous icon, painted by Andrei Rublev around 1405. Now the icon itself is in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The icon depicts one of the most important biblical scenes - the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. In the story, Mary learns from an angel that she will give birth to a child - the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Transfiguration

“Transfiguration of the Lord” is another famous icon by Andrei Rublev. The icon is currently kept in the Tretyakov Gallery. The icon depicts one of the most important biblical scenes - the Transfiguration of the Lord, which took place when Jesus led his disciples to Mount Tabor, wanting to show what would happen to them all after death. It was then that the prophets Moses and Elijah, who were once mere mortals, descended from heaven to Christ, and Jesus Christ himself shone with extraordinary light, His face brightened, and His clothes became bright white. Then the voice of God was heard from the clouds, announcing that Jesus was His Son and that He must be listened to.

Nativity

“The Nativity of Christ” is an icon painted by Andrei Rublev, based on a biblical story in which the Savior of the world and the Son of God Jesus Christ is born. The icon depicts the Mother of God reclining on a dark red maforia; behind the Mother of God there is a manger with the baby Jesus. You can also see other characters on the icon - angels and mere mortals.

There are many icon painters in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church, but the most famous, of course, is Andrei Rublev. Probably everyone in our country knows this name, even not the most educated person, and outside Russia it is well known, especially after Tarkovsky’s film, but what do we know about the great icon painter? The famous historian of Christian art Irina YAZYKOVA talks about this.

Andrei Rublev paints the Spassky Cathedral of the Andronikov Monastery (miniature of the late 16th century)

Happy fate of Andrei Rublev

We can say that his fate was happy: he was famous already during his lifetime, chronicles and lives of saints mention him, princes and monasteries ordered icons for him, he worked in Moscow, Vladimir, Zvenigorod. He was not forgotten even after his death; Rublev’s glory as the first icon painter in Rus' was preserved for centuries. The Stoglavy Council (1551) recognized Rublev's work as a role model. Joseph Volotsky in his “Message to the Icon Painter” also cites the example of Andrei Rublev and his associates, who “zealously applied themselves to icon writing and cared so much about fasting and monastic life, as if they were vouchsafed Divine grace and thus prosper in Divine love, as never before.” to exercise about earthly things, but always raise the mind and thought to the immaterial light, as even on the very feast of the Holy Resurrection of Christ, sitting in the seats and having Divine and honorable icons in front of you and steadily looking at them, being filled with Divine joy and lordship. And not just on that day I do this, but also on other days, when I don’t devote myself to painting. For this reason, the Lord Christ glorified them at the final hour of death.”

In the 17th century manuscript “The Tale of the Holy Icon Painters,” Andrei Rublev is called a holy ascetic and a seer of God. The Old Believers valued Rublev very much; collectors sought to acquire his works; in their eyes, he was the embodiment of canonical iconography and ancient piety. Thanks to this, even in the 19th century, when it would seem that icon painting was consigned to oblivion, the name of the ascetic icon painter was preserved as a standard of church art.

Andrei Rublev was not forgotten in Soviet times, despite the godless and iconoclastic pathos of Soviet science, his name was a symbol of ancient Russian culture. By decision of UNESCO in 1960, a worldwide celebration of the 600th anniversary of Rublev was organized. A museum of ancient Russian culture named after Andrei Rublev was opened in Moscow. And his works, collected mainly in the Tretyakov Gallery, became the object of close attention of scientists.

Life collected bit by bit

Many books and articles have been written about the Rev. Andrei Rublev, his work has been thoroughly studied. But, if you think about it, what do we know about the life of the icon painter as a holy ascetic? Biographical information is extremely scarce; his life has to be collected literally bit by bit.

He was born in the 1360s. It is difficult to determine more precisely the date of his birth. But the date of death is known: January 29, 1430. This date was established by the famous restorer P. D. Baranovsky based on a copy of the 18th century. from the inscription on the tombstone of the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. The slab itself was lost in the 1930s, when the monastery cemetery was destroyed. It is known that Rublev died at an old age, he was about 70 years old, which means he was born between 1360 and 1370.

This was a terrible time: the Tatars ruled Rus', they ravaged cities, plundered churches and monasteries, and took people captive. At the same time, there was a constant internecine struggle between the princes, it was especially bloody between Moscow and Tver, which laid claim to the grand ducal label. Twice - in 1364 and 1366. - a plague swept through Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod. In 1365 Moscow burned, in 1368 it survived the invasion of the Lithuanian prince Olgerd, and in 1371 there was famine.

Among this chaos and turmoil, the future creator of images of heavenly harmony grew up and was educated. Unfortunately, we know nothing about his parents or the environment from which he came. True, his last name may suggest something. Firstly, in those days only noble people had surnames. Secondly, she can point to the hereditary craft that his father or a more distant ancestor was engaged in. Rublev most likely comes from the verb “to chop” or from “rubel”, which was the name of a long pole or roller, a tool for tanning leather.

Nothing is known about how early Andrei Rublev took up icon painting, where and with whom he studied. We know nothing about his early works either. The first mention of it is contained in the Chronicle of 1405, where it is reported that, by order of Grand Duke Vasily Dmitrievich, the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin was painted by an artel headed by three masters: Theophanes the Greek, Prokhor the Elder of Gorodets and the monk Andrei Rublev. The fact that Rublev’s name is mentioned suggests that he was already a completely respected master. But his name comes third, which means Andrei was the youngest of the named icon painters.

Rublev was a monk, that is, a monk. And the name Andrei, apparently, is not a generic or baptismal name, but a monastic one. Most likely, he took monastic vows at the Trinity Monastery, under Nikon of Radonezh, the disciple and successor of St. Sergius of Radonezh. There are records of this in manuscripts from the 18th century. Perhaps he found Sergius himself, who died in 1392. Many of the master’s works will also be associated with the Trinity Monastery. In recent years, Andrei lived in the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, also founded by a student of Sergius, Venerable. Andronik. In this monastery he ended his earthly journey.

The standard of church art

Andrei Rublev was involved in the circle of Rev. Sergius of Radonezh, the great teacher of monasticism, who played a huge role in the spiritual awakening of Rus'. Sergius or his students were able to convey to Andrei the experience of deep prayer and silence, that contemplative practice that is usually called hesychasm, and in Rus' was called “smart doing.” Hence the prayerful depth of Rublev’s icons, their deep theological meaning, their special heavenly beauty and harmony.

The second time the name of Rublev is mentioned in the Chronicle under 1408 in connection with the painting of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir. He carried out this work together with the icon painter Daniil Cherny, who was called his “friend and fellow priest.” Daniel was also a monk, possibly Greek or Serbian, as evidenced by the nickname - Black. The chronicler calls him first, which means that Daniel was the eldest: by age or rank. The entire future fate of Andrei Rublev will be connected with this person, right up to his death.

The Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir was considered the cathedral of the Russian Church, and its painting was a responsible matter. The cathedral was built in the 12th century, under Andrei Bogolyubsky, but its paintings were destroyed in 1238, during the Tatar-Mongol invasion. By order of Grand Duke Vasily Dmitrievich, the temple is being painted anew. An iconostasis was also erected and a copy of the ancient miraculous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was created. Both masters - Andrei and Daniel - act here not only as icon painters, but also as genuine theologians: the surviving composition “The Last Judgment” speaks of a deep mystical experience and a surprisingly bright understanding of eschatology, as the aspiration of the Church towards the coming Savior.

In the mid-1420s. Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny are supervising the work in the Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. The paintings of the temple have not reached us, but the iconostasis remains. For the same temple, Rev. Andrei paints his famous Trinity icon, in which the Trinitarian dogma finds its highest pictorial embodiment. According to the Chronicle, the image of the Trinity was commissioned by Nikon of Radonezh “in memory and praise of St. Sergius,” whose relics rest in the Trinity Church. This icon embodies the pure prayer of the monk Andrei, which was taught to him by his spiritual teacher, Sergius, who bequeathed “to conquer the hated discord of this world by looking at the Holy Trinity.” In the form of three angels, the Trinitarian God appears before us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and in their silent conversation the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice, offered for the salvation of mankind, is revealed. Truly, Andrei Rublev was a visionary of God: only a person who had repeatedly contemplated this mystery of Divine Triune Love in prayer could paint the image of the Trinity in this way.

Universal Master

Book miniatures are also attributed to the master. For example, sheets and screensavers of the “Gospel of Khitrovo”. Old Russian artists very often illuminated books. Copying and decorating books was one of the common monastic obediences. In general, the book culture of ancient Russian monasteries was extremely high, the reading range of the monks was very diverse. Andrei Rublev was also a bookish man, who read a lot and was very educated for those times. In any case, it is clear that the miniatures of the “Khitrovo Gospel” were made by a master who has a keen sense of beauty and a deep understanding of the meaning of what is depicted.

Andrei Rublev was a universal master: he painted icons and frescoes, and was engaged in book miniatures. It is likely that, together with Metropolitan Cyprian and Theophan the Greek, he was involved in the development of the high Russian iconostasis, which, in line with Cyprian’s liturgical reform, was a harmonious, deeply thought-out theological system that created the image of the Heavenly Church.

The last years of Andrei Rublev's life were associated with the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. Unfortunately, the paintings of the Spassky Cathedral made by him have not survived. But the life of the icon painter even in this monastery was feat and service, prayer and creativity, for this is how he always lived.

Rublev is a recognized icon painter, but, first of all, he was a monk, his life was completely devoted to serving the Church. His holiness was already obvious to his contemporaries. Immediately after his death, in the 15th century, local veneration of St. Andrew the icon-maker was established in the Trinity-Sergius and Spaso-Andronikov monasteries, of which he was a monk. The Rev. Andrei Rublev was canonized by the general church only in 1988. The Church celebrates his memory on July 17 (4).

Text: Irina YAZYKOVA

Russian art contains many great works written by masters of the brush. All this can be fully attributed to the personality of the Russian icon painter, whose name is known to everyone.

Andrei Rublev created many beautiful works, his biography is a clear confirmation of this.

Basic information about life: childhood and adulthood

Today very little is known about the life of the saint who has already been canonized in our time.

His birth is usually associated with 1360 or, in some sources, 1370.

It is also not entirely clear who his parents were. Perhaps they came from a noble class, or perhaps they were simple farmers. There is a version that the father of the Russian artist came from the craft class. This conclusion is made based on his last name, because a ruble is one of the carpenter’s tools. Although other versions are possible here.

Most likely, Andrey is the monastic name of the icon painter. The name given to him at birth was lost through the centuries.

Mentions of this monk with God's miraculous gift date back to 1405 and 1408. They are connected with which were reflected in the chronicles.

Historical life of A. Rublev

The monk and icon painter Andrei Rublev managed to do a lot during his life. His biography, although sparse in information, allows us to understand at what time this Russian artist lived.

And the historical period was difficult, although there has never been an easy time in Russia.

It is believed that Andrei Rublev was born in the Principality of Moscow, which was going through a difficult period in the second half of the 14th century. Moscow fought with Tver for the right to lead the fragmented Russian state, which was shaken by internecine strife and raids by Horde nomadic conquerors. In addition, it was during these years that the plague raged in Moscow, which either went away or returned again, taking with it thousands of human lives.

In 1380, the famous Battle of Kulikovo took place, which marked the beginning of the liberation of Russian lands from the power of the Horde khans and the primacy of Moscow among other Russian cities.

During the same period lived the great Sergius, popularly nicknamed Radonezh. At this time, the icon painter Andrei Rublev also painted his amazing images.

And, despite all the complexity, there was some kind of prophetic enlightenment at this time, which gave hope that Rus' could be reborn and become a strong and spiritually enlightened power.

Monk Andrey in Sergeyeva Lavra

Several centuries later, when Rublev’s name entered Russian books, they told that Andrei studied the art of icon painting from his early youth under the guidance of experienced artists from the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. This happened under the disciple of St. Sergius Nikon, also nicknamed Radonezh.

In many ways, the development of the young man was influenced by the monastic and human feat of the first abbot of this monastery. Of course, the example of Sergius inspired young Andrei to create lofty and spiritual images.

Rublev’s icons and, first of all, his famous “Trinity” remained kept in the monastery, where they were discovered hundreds of years later by art historians, amazed by the skill of the ancient artist.

Andronikov Monastery

Further, the path of life led monk Andrei to the Andronikov Monastery, also founded by a disciple of St. Sergius named Andronik. The talented painter was revered at that time. Thus, it is known that one of the sons of Dmitry Donskoy, Vasily Dmitrievich, invited Andrei Rublev to paint the palace chambers in the Kremlin itself.

The work of Andrei Rublev gradually began to attract the attention of his contemporaries. The chronicle of 1405 says that it was this monk who was involved in painting the Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow, together with the famous artist of that time, Theophan, nicknamed the Greek, and Elder Prokhor. However, these paintings have not survived to this day due to the grandiose reconstruction of this cathedral.

Icons from the Annunciation Cathedral

The Annunciation Cathedral itself has not survived, but by some miracle the iconographic faces from this temple have survived to our time. There are seven icons in total, which are attributed to the artist’s brushes.

Rublev's icons are the “Nativity of Christ”, “Baptism”, “Entrance into Jerusalem”, “Annunciation”, “Candlemas”, “Resurrection of Lazarus” and “Transfiguration”.

These icons, some of which are still kept in museums across the country today, such as the famous Tretyakov Gallery, amaze viewers not only with their successful composition and the special airiness of the images depicted on them, but also with the special expression that is written on their faces. This is extraordinary spiritual purity and deep faith.

A perfectly selected color palette only enhances this feeling.

Assumption Cathedral in the city of Vladimir

Another milestone in Rublev’s creative biography, recorded in scrupulous chronicle sources, was his work together with other painters of that time on the paintings of the Assumption Vladimir Cathedral. This was around 1408.

In addition to painting the walls, the masters created several iconographic faces, some of which are in museums today. The Russian heritage is preserved not only by the Andrei Rublev Museum, but also by the Tretyakov Gallery.

It was at this time, according to art historians, that the famous icon of the master called “Our Lady of Vladimir” was painted.

Most likely, Monk Andrei already worked in this cathedral together with his disciples. Today, everyone can see here some of his frescoes, which surprise with their expressiveness and special enlightened spirituality.

Holy Trinity Church

It is known that somewhere in the 20s. In the 15th century, monks and Andrei Rublev (these years are approximate) worked on the paintings of the temple that was built over the burial place of the Venerable Abbot Sergius.

The temple was founded in stone (it still stands today). However, the frescoes of this cathedral have not survived to this day, but even today you can see the real icons of Rublev created for this church. These are “Apostle Paul”, “Archangel Michael” and “Baptism”. In their manner of writing and the way they depict figures, these icons are very close to the style of the famous “Trinity”. The Andrei Rublev Museum houses these priceless treasures.

Judging by chronicle sources, Andrei Rublev's comrade, the monk Daniel, nicknamed the Black, died in the Trinity Lavra. This is where he was buried. Father Andrei went to the Andronikov Monastery to create his last works there.

Latest works of the icon painter

According to scientists, the master’s last work was the painting of the Church of the Savior, which he completed around 1428.

Andrei Rublev lived a long creative life; the artist’s biography tells us about the day, hour and place of his death.

The famous Russian icon painter died in January 1430 (most likely on January 29). He was buried in Moscow, in the Andronikov Monastery (by the way, it was thanks to the fact that Father Andrei Rublev found his last refuge here that this ancient monastery was not destroyed during the Soviet years).

In 1989, hundreds of years later, Father Andrei was canonized by the Russian Church.

The work of Andrei Rublev: famous finds in Zvenigorod

The name of the Russian artist of Ancient Rus' would have remained consigned to oblivion if not for the amazing discovery made by Igor Grabar. By chance, in the quiet town of Zvenigorod near Moscow, near an ancient temple, he discovered amazing icons, which, as it turned out later, belonged to the brush of Andrei Rublev. Moreover, this find lay in an ordinary barn!

The icons were called the “Zvenigorod rite”, and only after a while it became known that their author was Andrei Rublev. Let's briefly look at all these works.

The most famous of them is the icon called “Spas”, which has only partially survived. But the eyes of Christ, turned to the people looking at him, amaze the audience. It is safe to say that from the icon the face of the God-Man looks at us, devoid of sin and passions and filled with a feeling of love for all living things and endless compassion.

Everyone passing by this icon (and it is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery) cannot help but stop their gaze on it. The original “Trinity” is also kept there, in the Tretyakov Gallery. The fate of this icon is very interesting.

Andrei Rublev put a lot of divine meaning into his creation. The artist’s biography cannot tell us the secret of how a simple Russian monk was able to rise to such a height of spiritual comprehension of God’s world. Perhaps Exupery was right: “You cannot see the most important things with your eyes.”

For many centuries, this icon hung in a heavy and bulky frame, hidden from everyone by these jewels, and only at the beginning of the last century were art historians able to open it, clean it of the layers of many centuries and understand that this is a true masterpiece.