ARTISTIC AND TECHNICAL-TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ICON PAINTSNG IN STARODUBSHCHYNA

Abstract

The study focuses on analyzing the characteristics of the Old Believers’ iconography in the Starodub region. The aim of the work is to systematize the key factors that influenced on the formation of the unique iconographic style of this region. The research identifies and describes specific artistic and technical-technological features of the Starodub iconography. The identified characteristics include the combination of different scenes within a single icon, a distinctive feature of this region. The study examines unique artistic and technical-technological aspects of the Starodub iconography, which blend traditional methods with innovations such as “prospective” on gold and the use of colored lacquers, rich colors, and specific techniques that distinguish it from other regional schools. It has been established that the Starodub iconographic school is characterized by an eclectic style that combines Orthodox traditions with elements of Western European Baroque. This is reflected in the use of direct perspective, realistic landscapes, and order architecture, indicating cultural influences developed under conditions of isolation and migration. The stylistic diversity of Starodub iconography has been determined, encompassing three main directions: “southern” with Ukrainian influences, “central” with Central Russian traits, and “northern” with elements of the high style of “Godunov” period’s. Each of these styles has its unique artistic features, which contributed to the development of various traditions of sacred painting. The iconographic features are also considered, including both traditional and rare images that demonstrate the preservation and adaptation of religious traditions. These results are significant for specialists in the art history, museology, and restoration, as they contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts and development processes of iconography in the Starodub region and its influence on Ukrainian painting and culture as a whole.