Baština (Jan 2013)
The wall painting in the Church of Saint Petka in the village Straza near Gnjilane
Abstract
As a part of religious revival in the 19th century church of the Saint Petka in the village Straža near Gnjilane, was renewed. In accordance with the donor's inscription in the altar, painters Zafir and Veno from Debar were engaged to paint the church interior between 1871 and 1872. The decorative program of wall painting was common for the parish churches in the Diocese of Raska and Prizren in the 19th century. The program was organized in three horizontal zones on the walls, and vault was painted as well. The symbolism of incarnation of the Christ and economy of salvation was dominant in the altar paintings. The altar apse was decorated with image of the Mother of the God and The Bishop's liturgy. Above the apse, there are scenes of Annunciation and the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The north wall of the altar was decorated with Vision of Saint Peter of Alexandria in the first zone, three prophets in the second zone and Resurrection of the Christ in the third. The southern wall was adorned similarly, with deacons in the first zone, and prophets and the scene of the Veneration of the True Cross. Representation of the Holy Trinity is placed on the altar vault. Program of the wall painting in the nave consists of figures of saints and scenes in three zones as well. In the first zone, there are symmetrically placed figures of saint warriors. Ascension of the Holy prophet Elijah is depicted in the second zone of the north wall. At the same place, on the south wall there are figures of Saint Modest and Saint Charalambis. Third zone is reserved for the Descent into Hades on the north wall, and Presentation of the Virgin in the temple on the south. Pilasters in the nave are painted with figures of ascetics and holy healers, while Christ Pantocrator is depicted on the vault. Wall painting in the church of the Saint Petka bears different meanings, depending on the sacral topography of the church. While this program illustrates Christ's incarnation and economy of salvation in the altar, in the nave active piety, that included righteous life, sacrifice for the religion and atonement of sin, is promoted. Simultaneously, program consists of saintly figures that had prominent role in the everyday life of the community, as healers and protectors.
