Inscriptions on two icons of Greek painter Theodor Pulakis in the collection of the National Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum in Kyiv

Abstract

The form and contents of Greek inscriptions and epigrams on two complex, judging from their composition, icons “From above the Prophets” and “The Second Coming” have been thoroughly analyzed. Part of them are of nominative-indicating nature and name characters, their general characteristics or places of events. The other inscriptions served as certain verbal additions to depicted persons or events. The inscriptions are written and depicted on special charts or rolls usually held by persons. Among the written texts we distinguish direct citations from the Scripture, word combinations from liturgical or patristic texts, some expressions of unknown origin and epigrams. Both icons preserve the original signatures of the painter. Special attention is given to the protective epigram on the roll held by the Archangel from the icon “From above the Prophets”, which can be compared to several other similar inscriptions on the pictures or frescoes of various artists.

Keywords

• Theodor Pulakis, iconography, Greek inscriptions, epigrams, liturgical texts, patristics.