Iconostasis as a Vision of the New Jerusalem

Abstract

The specifics of the architectural and plastic organization of Ukrainian iconostases of the first half of the 17th century as resulting from a certain symbolic concept is researched in the article. It was discovered that architectural frame of iconostasis emerged and was developed as an attempt to present the Kingdom of God embodied in the image of New Jerusalem. The composition and decorative elements of iconostases are formed within the context of eschatological moods that strengthened in Ukraine during the first half of the 17th century (prior to the year 1666). Influenced by the Book of Revelation, the iconostases of the period usually resemble walls with three entrances, decorated with the images of precious stones, just like the walls of the New Jerusalem were described in the book. Also, iconostases are decorated in a manner, similar to the buildings’ facades, and gold-plated that should have been communicating the idea of the New Jerusalem as a city of gold, full of heavenly palaces.