A Beekeeper (Nikolai Bogatov, 1875)
There is an interesting detail to this painting. Note well that the peasant beekeeper is reading, meaning that he is literate, a minority amongst the peasantry at that time. The ribbon bookmark seems to imply that the text is religious in nature, which means further that he is probably an Old Ritualist (Staro-obraztsy, called “Old Believers” in the West, a misnomer) or some other sort of sectarian.
Why is he probably an Old Ritualist?
(and by the way, even though this is a blog about art – has the Church ever claimed anything concerning the salvation of the Old Ritualists? Even though I of course don’t consider their choice of leaving the Church because of the change in rituals, I find their group (at least “in the old days”) to be quite beutiful…)
Comment by omorphia — Monday, 5 January 2009 @ 1330
This is beautiful. So much to look at and look and look. Doesn’t that grass take you back to a summer day?
Comment by wrjones — Tuesday, 6 January 2009 @ 1330
Why is he an Old Ritualist? For one, they tended to be more literate than the usual run of the peasantry. Secondly, Orthodox parishes kept their books in the church, whereas Old Ritualists had to hide theirs. Do remember that the sect was under legal sanctions in the 19th century.
There was no statement made concerning the salvation of Old Ritualists, I was referring to the social and historical context. Your comment deserves a deeper reply, and I intend making a post on my companion site due to your question.
Be advised that “beautiful” or not, this group is outside the ambit of the Church, which makes them a sect, hence, the usage “sectarians”. It was not a pejorative, it was a descriptor. We must be cautious and humble regarding those outside the visible Church. Sincerity and belief alone do not make for Orthodoxy.
Shall you share a drink with me? I don’t think that we are disagreeing, at base.
Cheers!
Vara
Comment by 01varvara — Tuesday, 6 January 2009 @ 1330
Thank you for the answer. I didn’t know about the orthodox keeping their books in the paruishes, while the sectarians had theirs hidden.
I look forward to reading the post you’re planning!
We can certanily share a drink! And in a near future, the chalice!
Greetings from Sweden! (or, at present, from Israel)
Comment by omorphia — Friday, 9 January 2009 @ 1330