Myhailo Vrubel Kyiv Creative Period: Sacred Art and Canon Problem

Abstract

The aim of the study is the analysis of sacral paintings of М. Vrubel during the Kyiv period (1884 – 1889) and understanding of the church canon by the artist. Methodology of the research includes general scientific methods – art study analysis and generalization of the problem under investigation. In order to study the subject the epistolary heritage of the artist was used. The article reveals the genesis of painting style of M. Vrubel as an integral part of the European version of the style Art Nouveau. The article also proves that this process took place during his Kyiv period, and was closely connected with the impact of Western European religious art on M. Vrubel`s creative work, in particular, when working on the sketches for St. Volodymyr’s cathedral. Conclusions . Evaluating the millage covered by M.Vrubel as a muralist we can conclude that his creative work has developed on the basis of academic easel forms and naturally evolved to Art Nouveau. While working on monumental and easel paintings in St. Cyril Church, monumental paintings in St. Sophia Cathedral and sketches of painting for St.Volodymyr’s Cathedral embodies the highest level of artistic achievements of mature Art Nouveau.