Russian Icon. Case

Dmitry Igorevich Antonov is a Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, and Director of the Center for Visual Studies of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period at the Faculty of Cultural Studies of the Russian State University for the Humanities. Author of the books: "Halo and Cross: How to Read Russian Icons" (Moscow: AST, 2023), "Tzares and Pretenders: The Struggle of Ideas in Russia during the Time of Troubles" (Moscow: RSUH, 2019, 2023), "Russian Medieval Period: A World of Ideas" (Moscow: Slovo, 2024, co-authored with L. B. Sukina and M. R. Maizuls), "Soviet Icons: A History and Ethnography of the Nizhny Novgorod Tradition" (Moscow: Indrik, 2023, co-authored with D. Yu. Doronin); "Anatomy of Hell: A Guide to Old Russian Visual Demonology" (Moscow: Forum-Neolit, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2024; co-authored with M. R. Maizuls), and others. Finalist for the "Book of the Year" and "Enlightener" awards.This is no ordinary encyclopedia of Russian iconography. The main goal of this book is to provide readers with the keys that will allow them to navigate the world of icons and wall paintings. To understand the logic of the images and see the information hidden in the details. The author shows step by step how icons can be "read" and how to understand the interesting nuances hidden in every subject.The first chapter describes the geometric principles that allow icon painters to convey space and the depicted objects. The following chapters discuss signs—subtle elements from which any visual narrative is constructed—and motifs that recur in different compositions. Finally, in the last chapter, the author examines unusual variations of certain subjects.The book will be of interest both to those who want to gain general knowledge about Russian iconography and to those who professionally study the history of culture, art, and religion.