FRAME OF THE ICONOSTASIS

The frame of the iconostasis is made of wood, carved and gilded; it stands on a high socle with panels enriched with engraved cartouches bearing oval medallions in the centre. The panels are divided by rectangular and prominent scapula. Its three sides are decorated by carvings of fruits, leaves and flowers put in narrow bounds. Between the frames in the Local tier, there are columns adorned with solid vine engravings with carved Corinthian capitals. The same columns stand on both sides from the Holy Doors and central icons of the Deisis, Prophets and Forefathers tiers, which were once placed above the Holy Doors. The leitmotif of the carvings is a vine, its leaves and bunches, as well as acanthus’s leaves, fruits and flowers. The engraved floral ornament in iconostases was compared with the Garden of Eden. Grapevines, bunches of grenade and fig fruits, apples, lilies, tulips, acanthus’s leaves are recognizable in the carvings of the iconostasis.

The carving style of columns, cartouches, straps, beads, profiles of corbels maintains the same from top to bottom. The engraving manner of the iconostasis’s and the combinations of the details are close to works by Klim Mikhailov. Works by this master had a great influence on the development of the art of engraving on wood in Russia in the second half of the 17th century. Russian carvers imitated his manner and borrowed subjects from the talented master executing many orders by the Russian ruler and the royal family.