Faade of the Northern Pavilion of the Small Hermitage

By: Tiffany, Azalia, Sam, and JonChristian Art and Architecture in Russia ContinuedSelected WorkChrist in Glory, Icon, 1470-99Overview of Russian Icon PaintingAn image of a religious figure that is intended for spiritual contemplationCame to Russia through Byzantine artistsTypically painted on woodCreated to represent an essential spiritual forceProvide focus for religious worshipIconostasis or icon screens were made for icon paintings in churches

Core representations to be create by and not by human handsExpressions are usually blank or neutralUse intense black lines rather than shading => Still appears flat Naturalism is not their goalPrefer to make them ideal because they are making icons of holy people

Christ in Glory

Visual AnalysisPortrays Jesus ChristSits in a carved throneLeft Hand- Holds an open book (New Testament)Right Hand- 2 fingers extended (traditional sign of blessing or teaching)Feet- crossed on a foot restWears a drape over his body, allowing only his neck and feet to show

Wears a drape over his body, allowing only his neck and feet to showPainted to seem three- dimensionalLines instead of shading make it still look flatNeutral expression and static figureEyes slightly focused upTied dark hair tied back loosely

Halo around his head draw attention to his faceHas light brown skin with darker facial hairWhite is used to make light reflection on his faceThrone is tilted to the left= recession into spaceAngels surround the throne (only face and wings are visible)

Top Left- Matthew: a man with wings= Christ's Earthly NatureTop Right- John the Evangelist: eagle= Christs Divine NatureBottom Left- Mark: lion with wingsBottom Right- Luke: an ox with wingsThey all hold a book that show they are gospel writersMaterials and TechniquesPigments are applied to a wood panelInorganic, mineral pigments because of their strong colorsLapis azuli- vivid blue stones imported from PersiaRarity of stone made the color expensiveOnly used for important parts of iconsMandorla: ancient symbol of 2 circles overlapping each other, creating an almond at the center (venn diagram)Gold leafTempera method- ground pigments suspended on egg yolkDifficult due to paint drying fast, not getting the same shade in a color, and mistakes were not easily correctedOil paints- colors blend easily, paint lasted longer, and colors a opaque which allow it to be layered to make 3 dimensional effects

Artists did not look for fame and wealth for their work so they did not sign their workIcon painter were expected to live a pious lifestyleOnly men were known to be iconic painters

Artistic Influences and SignificanceFrom Byzantine artUnique styles were developedMany icon paintings were made fort eh orthodox churches which helped spread the religionRecognized as national treasures today, even by non- believersSame methods used in Icon painting now used in other types of paintings St. Sophia Cathedral, Kiev, 1037-61Kiev was once the most important city for the Kievan Rus (unified medieval eastern Slavic state, defeated by Mongols) and a center of early Slavic Christianity. It is now the capital of Ukraine.The entire cathedral, including the name, was heavily influenced by the Byzantine style. The Hagia Sophia is the famous Byzantine church (later mosque, now museum) in Constantinople (now Istanbul), that swayed Vladimir Sviatoslavich the Greats representativestoward theEasternOrthodox Church. Vladimir Christianized the Kievan Rus and brought the Eastern Orthodox traditionto Russia.

The cathedral was founded by Yaroslav the Wise------>(r. 1019-1054, who united Novgorod and Kiev) as a burial placefor Yaroslav and other Kievan leaders. Yaroslav and his family are depicted in the interior. Cathedral is based on a nine-aisle plan.

Hagia Sophia Holy WisdomCOOL POINTS: WHO CAN TELL ME THE ONE OBVIOUS PART OF THE EXTERIOR THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PART OF THE HAGIA SOPHIA WHEN IT WAS A CHURCH???

The rounded domes, called CUPOLAS, are distinctly Russian. Their inclusion in the church marks a departure from both the Byzantine style and classicizing architecture (which was popular later on in Western Europe and imperial St. Petersburg). To classicize is to imitate the classical styles of ancient Rome and Greece. LOOK FAMILIAR? -------------->

Cupolas have symbolic meanings. A large dome surrounded by 12 smaller domes could symbolize what in Christianity? (THATS RIGHT. JESUS AND THE APOSTLES)

In the interior, heavy piers both emphasize the height (or verticality) of the church and provide a huge amount of surface area for mosaics and frescoes. Both the interior and exterior frescoes have suffered, but the mosaics (restored recently) are in better condition and are excellent examples of Byzantine influence in Russia.

The Soviets secularized the church and turned it into a museum. Though some have tried to reverse the action and return St. Sophia to its role as a church, it remains a museum today.

Interior of Dome with Christ Pantocrator and AngelsJESUS: Christ Pantocrator is a mosaic located in the central dome. Jesus is depicted as an older man wearing a blue and gold robe with a full beard and a serious expression. The ring of gold around his head is a halo, signifying divinity. In his left hand Jesus holds a jeweled book (probably the Bible) while he gestures with his right hand (a symbol for teaching or blessing. Very, very common). The gold space around Jesus (which is not part of the halo) is abstract, with little sense of depth or reality. This, conceptually, is Heaven. The overall sense of the mosaic is stillness. Jesus will gaze down eternally at the viewer, offering not only his blessings, but his divine judgment.ARCHANGELS: 4 archangels surround Jesus, also abstract and immobile. They stand out because they are wearing elaborate imperial Byzantine court clothing. Every archangel holds a standard that reads Hagios (holy, repeated three times).APOSTLES and GOSPEL WRITERS: On the domes drum, each of the apostles are depicted individually. Below the drum (on the pendentives of the dome) are the writers of the gospels. The figures are all arranged in HIERARCHICAL fashion. Jesus in Heaven (uppermost realm) and the gospel writers on the bottom (indicating Earth). All figures are abstract, emphasizing stillness over depth and motion.MosaicsInfluences and SignificanceValued by the ancients because they are very durable and remain vivid. Byzantine artists were masters. Mosaics are created from many small pieces of stone, glass, or tile, called tesserae, arranged in a pattern.From afar, the pieces form a single picture. This may seem simple, but it requires great mathematical and artistic skills, especially when working with a curved surface. Mosaic art reached its height in the 12th century, then declined with the rise of fresco and tempera painting. When Christ Pantocrator was created, Byzantine masters traveled to and around Kiev to establish workshops.It is one of the earliest surviving depictions of Christ Pantocrator on a monumental scale.Like the Hagia Sophia, the St. Sophia Cathedrals mosaic emphasizes abstracted space, immobility, two-dimensional figures, and gold. The mosaic was produced less than 100 years after the widespread adoption of Christianity. Christ Pantocrator, or Pantokrator (literally Ruler of All or Almighty), is the one of the most commonly represented images in Eastern Orthodoxy. It is usually located in the main cathedral and is roughly equal to the Catholic Christ in Majesty------> popularizedduring the medievalperiod.The name refers to Christ as the Son of God judging humanity.

By: Simone, Tiffany, Azalia, Sam, and Jon Art and Architecture of the Russian Empire Imperial Period in ReviewBegins with Peter the Great Reign (1672-1725) Romanov Dynasty early 20th centuryImperial Period Look to the West for Inspiration The Imperial Court becomes main patron of the Arts Architecture POWER and AUTHORITYForeign West Art appreciation grew Russian tradition overtaken by Western InfluencesHowever, this was a time of great Artistic Output for Russia St. Petersburg major city Architecture Art = Masterpieces!

Muscovite Russia!!Muscovite Russia started the late fifteenth century (1462) with Ivan III All the Tsars ruled from MoscowIvan the Terrible patronized the Cathedral of St. Vasily the Blessed Orthodox Church & State BBFs Church was the patron! ~Icon Paintings, Murals, Sacred Architecture Developed~1st state sponsored Art school for icon paintings dif. Methods form Maintained the Byzantine Tradition ArtAgricultural Society where Serfdom was alive and well

The Rise of the Romanovs and Peter the Great Time of Troubles!!!! (1589-1613)Revolt failed and In 1613,Nobles elected Michael Romanov *Ivans grandnephew,16 yrs old* brought peace (r.1613-1645)Peter the Great (r. 1682-1725) established Russian Empire Great Northern War (1700-1721) Baltic Sea Region, territory growth, and strong navyModernized :Western influences on everythingArt was secularized *Portraits popular*St. Petersburg established in 1703- capital in 1712

St. Petersburg Located N. of Moscow around River NevaDifferent from Muscovite Rulers Peter set restrictionsEasier access to the WestWanted structures made of stone and brick some wood painted over: Baroque style Petrine Baroque Aleksandr Menshikov (1673-1729): Menshikov Palace Notables: Domenico Tressini (1670-1734), Jean-Baptiste-Alexandre Le Bond (1679-1719)The Twelve Colleges & Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

Elizabeth I and Catherine II Palace Architecture *Previous Baroque on Steroids*Wanted a Winter Palace designed by Francesco Rastrelli (1700-71) Interior and Exterior Baroque and RococoJordon Staircase still intact Sophia Augusta Fredrica Catharine II (r. 1762-96) Big Art Collector inspire Russian ArtistFrancophile promoted French styles in Art&Arch.1757 Count Ivan Shuvalov founded 1st state sponsored art academy in his Palace 1764: Renamed Imperial Academy of Arts in new buildingBuilt by Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Moche, Prof., and Alexander F. Kokorinov Neoclassical style prominent- Profs. all foreign born

Romanov Rule in the 19th Century Alexander I (r.1801-25) continues building vision of Grandmother Focus on Neoclassical Arch. Western PoliticsNicholas I (r. 1825-55) was choosy with his tastesSt. Petersburgs Arch. developed mid-19th century Arch. no longer developed like in the days of Catharine the Great Russian Artists communicate with the WestRealist Painting style (French) depicted Russian life in a new way

Anti-Imperialism and the Revolution Public resent Imperial Rulers strong in 19th early 20th centuries Art&Arch. Symbols of Power and Wealth of Imperial RulersNicholas II abdicates March 1917 (March 1918 killed along with his family) Lenin (1870-1924) gains control of Revolution in October The greater art works and architecture were maintained after the Revolution on 1917 Many masterpieces were either stolen, sold, or destroyedTurn away from Imperial Art new artistic styles

Palace Architecture in St. PetersburgFounded in 1703, St. Petersburg became the primary residence of the imperial family and partial residence of the Russian nobility. Famous for bringing dramatic social and cultural changes to Russia, Peter the Great designed palaces to reflect the more liberal court life of Western Europe. -For example: most palaces were built with many dining and reception rooms because they were integral to liberal Western-style court life.Although Peter eventually transformed St. Petersburg into a center of Russian opulence, his first residence there was only a log cabin. Later tsars preserved the cabin as a symbol of St. Petersburgs humble roots. Because nobles were required to spend a part of every year in St. Petersburg, domestic architecture boomed.Architecture of the noble residences was very limited: Baroque style + made of stone. The carefully planned construction and stylistic restrictions makes St. Petersburg architecture very uniform.The Baroque style was a favorite of Peter the Great. It was later referred to as Petrine style.

St. Petersburg was built quickly (almost completely from scratch) by forced labor.Stone was not readily available, so designers decorated the exterior of buildings to look like stone or brick. -Americans did this, too. In order to imitate British style homes (which were made from laid stone), architects manipulated wood to look like stone. This is called Federal style.

The Winter PalaceAlthough Peter the Great wanted St. Petersburg to imitate the palaces of the great Western European powers, he did not intend to create a palace to rival Louis XIVs Versailles. Versailles was, however, a source of inspiration. Constructing began on the first Winter Palace from 1711 to 1712, under architect Domenico TrazziniPeter the Great soon tired of the first Winter Palace and commissioned a second, designed by Georg Johann Mattarnovi in 1721 (where Peter died in 1725)Updated (from 1754-62) to its current, colossal form during reign of Empress Elizabeth (r. 1741-62) who employed Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli (who also worked with Tsaritsa Anna before Elizabeth)Elizabeth wanted a spectacular palace that would symbolize the growing power of the Russian empire, but the palace was a huge cost to most Russians, who were manipulated for their manual labor and tax payments.Center of formal state functions.Contains over 1,000 rooms. Most have changed over time, but many rooms are decorated in either the Rococo or Neoclassical styles.Faade is approx. 250 meters long. Baroque in form, it has an overall sense of symmetry and rhythm of projections.One side looks out on the Palace Square, the other side overlooks the River Neya Official residence of the royal family for most of the time before the Russian Revolution became ultimate symbol of autocratic rule.The present winter Palace is actuallythe 4th constructed.

The Hermitage and Catherine the GreatCatherine was highly interested in the Enlightenment and intended to use the Small Hermitage for holding philosophical salons and displaying/storing her huge art collection. By owning so much art, she solidified her reputation as a cosmopolitan and powerful world leader.Catherine considered herself an enlightened monarch who pursued reform. She was influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who emphasized simplicity in life as a passage to greater truth. She built the Hermitage as a place of retreat into simpler life.Was only SIMPLE and RESTRAINED when compared to the Winter Palace. The Hermitage was still opulent and extravagant, even when compared to residences of wealthy merchants.The name Hermitage today refers to the enormous museum housing one of the worlds greatest art collections, but the original was only a small palace adjacent to the Winter Palace.

Corinthian Capital:

Faade is harmonious with the much larger Winter PalaceDesigned by Yury Velten and Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la MotheSouthern Pavilion:1765-66 (designed by Velten) Northern Pavilion: 1767-1769 (designed by Vallin de le Mothe)Form is CLASSICIZINGImitates the Winter Palaces strict symmetry, restraint, and use of columns (which creates a sense of rhythm)Compact, strong sense of heightTall windows and rounded arches on 1st and 2nd storiesPortico: 6 CORINTHIAN columns visually link the Hermitage and Winter PalaceSparse decoration, structure remains visibleHermitage and Winter Palace (and Versailles) all influenced by classical Greece and Roman architecture

Selected WorkMonument to Peter The Great, St. Petersburg, Etienne-Maurice Falconet, Completed 1782PatronageMonument to Peter the Great- The Bronze HorsemanRepresents Peter the Great Was commissioned by Catherine the GreatInstalled in 1782Why? She was married into the family Making connection shows desire for surpassing PeterPetro Primo Catherina Secunda MDCCLXXXII (Latin for Catherine the second to Peter the first, 1782) Location: Looks over River NevaImportance: River shows growth of the city, Peter built his first home by the rivers bank, location is renovated later on and becomes a public square close to St. Isaacs Cathedral, Winter Palace, and HermitageSquare is supposed to represent the church and the state

Artists BiographyCatherine always looked for sculptors and architects from FranceEtienne- Maurice Falconet (1716-1791)First task in RussiaBorn to a poor family in ParisReceived help from Jean Baptiste LemoyneJoins Academie des Beaux- Arts, 17571757- serves as the director of sculpture at Sevres porcelain factoryTraveled to Russia in 1766Worked with pupil Anne-Marie CollotShe worked on Peters faceBecame very well known in St. PetersburgHas several exhibits at the Heritage Museum1778- Collot and Falconet went back to Paris Collot marries Falconet's son, Pierre- Etienne: also an artistDoes not see the installation of the sculpture because he is no longer one of Catherine's favoritesBecomes successful academic sculptor1788- Director of the Academie de Beaux- Art Wrote several texts on sculpture

The Bronze Horseman

Visual AnalysisPeter the Great on horsebackEven though the horse is on its hind legs, Peter remains calmRight hand extended towards riverHas classical attire and laurel wreath on his headFace is calm with idealized feature of Peter the GreatSculpture is about 20 feet highCast bronzeLost- Wax Casting Technique- laborious and expensivePedestal- carved from a red gigantic red granite boulder25ft tallBoulder known as Thunder StoneLocals believed it got its form after being struck by lightningCreates illusion of Peter looking out of a cliffArtistic InfluencesInfluenced by Western art (leaders on horseback)The sculpture of Marcus AureliusBoth have an outstretched hand, which might be a symbol for a blessing or clemency

Neither have armor= comes in peace not war

Equestrian Sculpture revived in European RenaissanceForm of classic artPopular in FranceHorse represents the stateLeader on its back controls the stateHorse on its hind legs represents the difficulty of the task

Contextual AnalysisBecame known as the Bronze Horseman in the 19th CenturyAlexander Pushkin refers to it as the Bronze Horseman in a poem he wrotePoem is about the conflict between the power of the state and the needs of the peopleSculpture has a protective role over the city