The illustrated Iconographical Script of the Committee of Care on Russian icon painting (1901-1918): the initial project and its implementation

Abstract

This article reproduces the chronology of the work of the Committee of Care on Russian icon painting (1901-1918) on the creation of its own Illustrated Iconographical Script (Litsevoi ikonopisny podlinnik) – a handbook for icon painters, which had to consist of photographs of exemplary icons and provide a practical guide for icon painters. The author conducts a detailed analysis of the discussion within the Committee about the form and content of the first volume of the planned script “Iconography of the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (1905) by Nikodim Kondakov. A circle of artistic inspiration for the original was revealed, and a connection was found between the idea of creating an Illustrated Iconographical Script and the project of religious revival and church reforms of the Nicholas II époque.

Keywords

• Committee of Care on Russian icon painting
• Iconographical Script
• icon painting
• Nikodim Kondakov
• Nicholas II