Icon of the Last Judgment is a very important and significant in Orthodoxy.It depicts a scene that will happen after the second coming of Jesus Christ.It is believed that if each person will appear before a judge, and each will receive his own business, and merit.
emergence of the plot and the first image of the icon
What can we say about the origins of Christianity in this story?It is believed that the first time these songs have appeared on the walls of the temple is still in the Byzantine Empire to the iconoclastic period.They date back to the fourth century.The first images described parable of the ten virgins, as well as the separation of the goats and sheep (sinners and saints).Only the eighth century Byzantine image was formed, which later became canonical.So there was an icon of the Last Judgment.
In Russia these images existed almost since the beginning of baptism and had special significance for the Orthodox.
What influenced the appearance of the plot
In many ways, the story of the icon of the Last Judgment was taken from the Gospel and the Apocalypse, as well as other ancient books of Byzantium and Russia, such as Word Palladium Mnich, Word Ephrem, The Life of Basil the New, etc.. It is also a significant influence on him, and Revelation.
One important source on which the painted icons of the Last Judgment, was revealed to the prophet Daniel.His visions are generally considered significant in the Orthodox Church, which is described in the book of the prophet.Some motifs from it and taken to the plot of the icon of the Last Judgment, and the ones who talked about the end of the world and the coming of Jesus.
plot icon of the Last Judgment in Russia
In Russia, this story was first recorded in the XII century on the walls of the Kirillov monastery, which is located in Kiev.At the end of the same century, the same images appeared in the St. George's Cathedral, Church of Our Saviour in Nereditsa and Dmitrov Cathedral.It is not surprising, as it is believed that this affected the image of Prince Vladimir, who initiated the baptism of Rus.This fact is mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years".
Early Judgement icon depicts not only the court but also the scene of the Apocalypse, which are further divided.The first images of the plot did not have a clearly documented moments in certain areas of the icon, as, for example, the beasts of Daniel's prophecy.Only a century XVI-XVII every detail of the plot has got its place.
Description plot
very composition of the image of the Last Judgment is very rich actors and events.In general, the icon "The Last Judgement", the disclosure of which is quite extensive, consists of three registers.Each has its place.
usually in the upper part of the icon image of Jesus is placed on either side of which are the apostles.All of them are involved in the process of court.The lower part of the icon is busy trumpeting angels who summon all.
Further, under the image of Jesus is the throne (Etimasiya).It judges the throne, which can be placed a spear, a cane, a sponge, the Gospel.This is an important item in the composition, which later became an independent character.
bottom of the picture tells the story of what happens to the righteous and sinners, which will be held the Last Judgment of God.The icon here is divided.To the right of Christ can be seen the righteous, who are moving to Paradise, as well as Our Lady, the Angels and the Garden of Eden.On the left is Christ depicted hell, sinners and the devils and Satan.
These two well-established part of the icon in the plot can be separated by a river of fire, or serpent.Last depicted with a writhing body across the icon, and his tail lowered into hell.Rings serpent was often called by the name of ordeal (fornication, drunkenness, etc.).
Interpretation plot
Icon of the Last Judgment, the interpretation which someone may seem eerie, has its meaning for believers.In God's plan, acts of each person who has ever lived on earth will be reviewed at the Last Judgment, which will chair the Christ, the Son of God.It was during his second coming.
After the trial, a person is either a straight road to hell or to heaven, according to his actions.It is believed that this is a special moment in the renewal of the world, the soul can always connect with God or the devil to leave forever.However, the essence of the composition is not to intimidate the person, and for it to reflect on their acts committed sins.Also, do not despair and lose hope, you just need to repent and begin to change.
ancient image of the Last Judgment, which survived
have survived several ancient pictures that have been preserved as a painting in the churches.For example, in Thessaloniki, in the church of Panagia Chalkeon painting dates from the 1028 year, in Sinai, in the monastery of St.Catherine, survived two icons of the Last Judgment.Also in London, Victoria and Albert Museum, is a plate of ivory with the image of Venice in the Basilica of Torcello mosaic made with this theme.
There are also ancient images and Russia.For example, in the Moscow Kremlin Assumption Cathedral is the earliest icon of the "Last Judgment" (picture shown below).Also, these paintings can be found in some temples (of them mentioned above).
Word Saints of the Last Judgment
of the Last Judgement is very much told in the Scriptures and in the sayings of the saints.Many people keep this image before the eyes to see the consequences of sin and spiritual negligence.
St. Theophanes Recluse spoke of incessant preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord, not thinking about when it will be.He believed that this would happen of course, but when - is unknown.
St. John also believed that there is nothing to wonder when the last day will happen, but there are terrible omens soon end.This is a different affliction and destruction, war and famine.The very same people change, forget the laws of God.At this time will multiply sins and evil.
So all the holy fathers thought it was important to remember about the Second Coming and the Last Judgment.The icon with this image clearly helps in this, because of its composition series is made in such a way as to see everything clearly and in detail (heavenly bliss of the righteous and the wicked torments of hell).
plot of Judgment in the paintings of artists
So, as you can see, for Christian believers is a very important composition, which depicts the Last Judgement.The icon and the painting on the walls of temples - this is not the only thing which was shown in this topic.It was and is very popular with artists.It's pretty bright theme that has found its place in the painting.
For example, a Michelangelo fresco has executed on this topic.It is located in the Sistine Chapel.Although it was the order of the pope, but the painter executed it in his own way.It depicts nudity, frankly described the anatomy of men.It further has even led to the conflict.
is also very famous triptych by Hieronymus Bosch.This is a very strong pattern, which in some way affects the beholder.It is believed that no one but Bosch subsequently failed to pass so that no one alive has not seen firsthand.The plot is a picture divided into three parts.In the center - the image of the court, to the left is a paradise, and the right - to hell.Each composition is very realistic.
course, this is not all the painters who used the biblical story of the Last Judgment in the pictures.Many people have been inspired by apocalyptic songs, and then tried to create their vision of it.Not all the points adhere to the Bible, showing their imagination.Thus, a lot of variations of the Last Judgment, which were far from the canons.
Image
brush Vasnetsov Victor Vasnetsov in its time created many paintings on religious themes.One of them was a fresco of the Last Judgment in Kiev Vladimir Cathedral, as well as St. George's Cathedral.
Icon Judgement Vasnetsov Cathedral in Kiev appeared first.In writing the author has not used an established canons, so the image looks a bit theatrical, though built on the basis of biblical and patristic texts.In the center of the composition is an angel who holds the scales in his hand.On one side of him are sinners and Gehenna, in which they, in fact, fall.On the other side are the righteous worshipers.
As can be seen in the image, there are sinners among the rich, the kings, the people of the clergy.The author would like this to show that all are equal before God at the moment of truth.For all people will be a fair decision in the last hour.At the top of the image is the Lord himself who holds the Gospel and the cross.Next to it is the Mother of God and John the Baptist.
second sheet was written to St. George's Cathedral.His story remains unchanged, according to many who have seen the picture of the first time, he produced a stunning impression.It is this fabric had a turbulent history in the Soviet Union.In the twilight of its existence the picture was hardly reconstructed and returned to the old place.
Image brush Rublev
Another famous work was a fresco of the Last Judgment Rublev, which is displayed in Moscow Assumption Cathedral.There were many of his paintings, in addition to this.Many were executed together with Daniel Black.Some details of the author departed from tradition, especially when painted icons of the Last Judgment.Rublev painted the people who came to the court, it is not suffering, and hoping for mercy.
By the way, all the guises in the fresco is very inspired and elevated.At this difficult time, there are too many events that contributed to the revival of human spirituality.
Thus, the mural is very easy to impress and carried forward.This led to the fact that people do not become fearful of the upcoming trial, but were represented by their prevailing justice.Of course, until today it is preserved not completely, but what remains still, is striking in its depth.
