009-XC The Holy Saviour of Zvenigorod

This Zvenigorod icon of Jesus Christ is a lacquered icon on wood made in the icon workshop of St Elisabeth Convent. The printed image is glued to a wooden board and covered with transparent lacquer. This icon of the Holy Savior together with the icon of St Michael the Archangel and the icon of Holy Apostle Paul comprise the so-called Zvenigorod Order (after the name of the place where they were discovered). Currently, this icon is exhibited at the State Tretyakov Gallery.

This masterpiece by Andrei Rublev, a famous 15^th-century icon painter, was painted on a big wooden board (62×42 in) and, although only fragments of it remain, it leaves a powerful impression. The wonderful face of Christ is well preserved; it is filled with deep wisdom and power. His look is resolute and meek, unwavering and unjudging at the same time. The icon painter managed to convey the words of one of the most ancient Christian hymns O Gladsome Light using his brush and paint: it looks as if the Savior radiates light, and this light isn't blinding; instead, it is concealed and majestic.