Central Mosaics of the Spas Na Krovi (St Petersburg, RF) (updated and larger version)

Some people pointed out to me (rightfully) that I should have posted a larger version of this illustration. I admit they are right! There is much more detail in this version. If you click on the picture, and then click on the magnifying glass that appears, you shall see this in all its glory. I apologise for the earlier version (there are times when one MUST use bandwidth!).

There is no need to say anything concerning this work. It speaks for itself. This church was built on the spot were Tsar Aleksandr Nikolaevich was assasinated by anarchist terrorists in 1881. It is why it is called the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood. By the way, the new memorial church dedicated to the Royal Martyrs in Yekaterinburg bears the same name.

Vasili Belyaev. Mosaic from the Spas na Krovi. Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God. no date (1890s-1900s)

Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God (Vasili Belyaev, no date (1890s-1900s?))

There was excellent response to my posting of the mosaics of the Spas na Krovi, so, here is another example of the mosaic work in that church. It is simply stunning, isn’t it? No doubt, you can see why I detest those who attack such work as “too Western”. If this does not move you to tears by its beauty (you need not be a believer to see that!), you have no soul.

Andrei Ryabushkin. A Deacon. 1888

A Deacon [Andrei Ryabushkin, 1888]

Last week, we showcased hunting paintings. This week, the theme is “Russian clergy”. The paintings shall come from various eras, and shall basically be portraits, not “human studies” (you painters out there know the difference!).

In the Russian church, the deacon has always played a larger role than his counterparts in the western confessions. The deacon intones the litanies, reads the Gospel, and plays a major role in the liturgy (especially when a hierarch serves). Often, he is chosen for his vocal abilities. In Russia, the deacon is often chosen for such service if he has a powerful and well-projected bass voice. This is one of the “signature” sounds of the Russian liturgy, the interplay between the basso intonations of the deacon and the sound of a well-trained choir singing the responses in harmony. Even unbelievers attest to the beauty of this combination.

Let all catechumens depart! All catechumens depart! Let no catechumen remain! Let us, the faithful, again and again, in peace, pray unto the Lord! (the deacon’s exclamation at end of the Litany for the Cathecumens)

The Countryside Beckons (with the song “Alyosha”)

The rural-themed late Soviet neo-Impressionist art of Sergei and Aleksei Tkachev is paired with a popular Soviet-era song Alyosha (that is the diminutive of Aleksei in Russian). The mood of the song fits this art, I would say.

Meet the Artist: Leonid Baranov (the folk artist)

Leonid Baranov is a contemporary Russian folk artist. I am sorry that I was unable to find a photograph, or any other information aside from the scant details pasted below. Nevertheless, I think that you would agree that his work is comparable to that of Grandma Moses, which means that it is very good, indeed.

Mr Baranov should not be confused with a prominent contemporary Russian sculptor of the same name, Leonid Baranov (1943-). Why, I may showcase the second Mr Baranov’s art next week as he is one of the best sculptors in modern Russia. In addition, the commander of the Baikonur cosmodrome is also named Leonid Baranov (the original Mr Baranov must have gotten around quite a bit, I would say!)!

“Leonid Baranov is an artist from the city of Yekaterinburg who [depicts] modern life in the Russian village. The heroes of his works look like real people from the Russian countryside. He never became famous or rich, and he prefers to drink a lot of vodka, as [he is] a real Russian, and doesn’t care much about missing fame. Still, I find something attractive in his pictures”.

http://englishrussia.com/?p=468

Untitled work by Leonid Baranov (1)

Oh, oh! It looks as though Dede is up on the roof, and I do daresay that Baba is not very happy at all! I like the lightheartedness of this picture, and it does bring a smile, does it not?

Nad Synom Donom (The Sons of the Don). Red Army Chorus

The Red Army Chorus sings Nad Synom Donom (The Sons of the Don), matched with painitngs of Cossacks by Ilya Repin and Vasili Surikov.

There are some Ukrainian nationalists who have spread the lie that Cossacks were all Ukrainians and anti-Russian. This is not so. Most Cossacks spoke Russian, and lived in the outlying parts of the Empire. I know this because I am a proud daughter of the Siberian Host. This video is my tribute to my forebears.

On the Road (music by Boris Grebenshikov)

Boris Grebenshikov is a legend of Russian rock, being one of the members of the famous band Akvarium (Aqaurium). Here, I combine his song Yanvarsky Romans (January Romance) with the paintings of the Peredvizhniki artist Konstantin Kryzhitsky. The music gives the impression on being “on the road”, hence, the title.