| 11th-17th century was the main period of the formation and development of the Russian icon art.During this time,there successively appeared several art centers where large numbers of murals,mosaics and wood icon paintings sprung up.However, by reason of history and manufacturing process,extant works before 14th century had remained just a few and had been damaged badly.Since the late 19th century,the gradual deepening of the archaeological excavation had provided the study of Russian icon art with favorable conditions.In Russia,the Virgin Mary was one of the most worshipful religious figures.With large quantities,rich varieties and wide distribution,Madonna had an effect even on every aspect of believers' lives.Besides the religious functions endowed by the church,worship of Mary also inherited the tradition of the polytheism of Kievan Rus.Regarded as 'the protector of Russia',Mary had become a saint who accepted the most prayer and Madonna had had a supreme status in Russian religious art.Because Mary is not a realistic figure,this paper is based on the assumption of the status of the Virgin Marry,summing up the subject content standing for the individual characteristics of Maria,analyzing the connection between image performance and religious meaning,researching the attribution on several major themes of Mariology in Russian Madonna.Using wood icons as typical materials,the paper gives a description and research on ancient Russian Madonna art combined with similar murals and mosaics.Influenced by theological terms,imperial power will,regional cultural differences and painter's personalities in composition,Russian Madonnas had formed differences that can not be ignored though seemed very similar.Compared with different art schools, associated with folk myths,legends and custom of worshipping the Virgin Mary in real life,this paper is aimed to analyze the transmutation of Russian Madonna after its own localization. |
