Prophetic Tier Iconography of the Rybotychi Masters Iconostases (1680–1760)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to consider the iconography of the prophetic tier of 1680–1760s iconostases done by the masters of the church art center in Rybotychi (Nadsiannia, Poland)in the context of its content in the Western Ukrainian iconostases of the second half of the 17th – thebeginning of the 18th century. Methodology. The research uses methods of iconographic andiconological analysis, reconstruction, and semiotics. The scientific novelty of the article is that forthe first time attention has been paid to the theme of the prophetic tier of the Rybotychi mastersiconostases which is considered in the semantic context of the Ukrainian iconography of the Virginwith praise from the 15th – 16th centuries and the representation of the prophets in the WesternUkrainian iconostases of the 17th – early 18th century. Conclusions. The themes of the prophetictiers of the iconostases done by the Rybotychi masters are echoed with other Western Ukrainianartists of the 17th – early 18th century. However, there are some unexpected cases. This is thefigure of the prophet in the monastic vestment, whom we identify as Elijah and the figure ofManasseh, who does not appear in the Ukrainian iconography of the Virgin with praise, nor is itknown in the prophetic tiers of other iconostases.Key words: iconostasis, old testament prophets, prophetic tier, 1680–1760 Rybotychi centerof church art, iconography