Icon of the Old Testament Trinity
Workshops of the Moscow Kremlin, end of tne 17th century. Chased gold, enamel, diamonds.
This icon cover is executed in the traditions of Russian art of the second half of the 17th century, with its striving for distinctively vivid elegance and ornamentality. The political and economic development of the Russian state stimulated the development of culture.
At this point in time, the traditional medieval worldview, which was dominated by the sacred, began rapidly to disintegrate, and elements of secular culture emerged with more vigor. Nor did the Russian Orthodox Church escape this influence. The religious art of the period is characterized by lavish use of gold and precious stones, complemented by skilful enamel work in striking hues.
In the 17lh century, the Kremlin workshops flourished as never before or after. The fashion in icon covers had evolved from the occasional golden or silver halo, possibly adorned with precious stones, to a style in which only the faces, hands, and feet of the figures depicted were visible. This particular icon cover of chased gold is especially notable for its fine enamelwork.
Here, enamel coats not only flat surfaces but the contours of the clothing, executed in relief. The sparkle of the rich enamel is complemented by the rare blue diamonds on the haloes framing the angels' heads.
