Abstract
This paper discusses the role of details and minor figures in Russian medieval iconography. Studying an icon of The Battle of Novgorodians against Suzdalians, painted in the middle of the 15th century, the author reveals small visual elements that helped the artist(s) to blame and demonize the aggressors of the distant past. Combining details, the icon-painter enriched the image with many important nuances. However, tiny visual elements were hardly noticeable and clear to the viewers. The author analyses absurd figures that appeared in different icons as the result of the painters’ mistakes (the pagans with halos, the black angel) to ensure that little details normally remained unnoticed by parishioners and priests. This leads to the more general question about the possible recipient of the visual ‘micro-text’ and the role of details for the icon-painters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
