Icon "last judgment": the value. The icon of the last judgment: description

The Icon of the last judgment is a very important and significant in the Orthodox Church. It depicts a scene that happens after the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is believed that if every person brought before a judge, and everyone will receive according to their deeds and merits.

Emergence of the story of the icon and the first image

What can we say about the origins of occurrence of this story in Christianity? It is believed that these compositions first began to appear on the walls of the temple in the Byzantine Empire until the iconoclastic period. They date back to the fourth century. The first image described the parable of the ten virgins and the separation of goats and sheep (sinners and righteous). Only to the eighth century in Byzantium, was the image formed, which later became canonical. So there was the icon of the last judgment.

In Russia, these images existed almost from the beginning of the 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 Apocalypse, as well as other ancient books of Byzantium and Russia, such as: the Word Palladium Mnich, the Word Ephraim the Syrian, The life of Basil the New, etc. Also a significant influence on him and the book of revelation.

One of the important sources on which were written the icon of the last judgment, was the revelation of the prophet Daniel. His vision is generally considered to be important in Orthodoxy that is described in the books of the prophet. Some of the motifs from it and taken to the story of the icon of the last judgment, and the ones that talked about the end of the world and the coming of Jesus.

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The Story of the icon of the last judgment 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 image appeared in St. George's Cathedral, Church of the Saviour, Nereditsa and the Dmitrov Cathedral. It is not surprising, as it is believed that it is this image influenced by Prince Vladimir, who initiated the baptism of Rus. This fact is mentioned in "chronicle".

Early icon of the last judgment portrayed not only the court, but also scenes of the Apocalypse, which are further divided. The first image of the story was not clearly recorded moments in certain places icons, as, for example, beasts of the prophecies of Daniel. Only to the XVI-XVII century every detail of the plot got his own place.

Storyline

The image composition of the last judgment is very rich in characters and events. In General, the icon “judgment”, a description which is quite extensive, consists of three registers. Each of them has its place.

Usually in the upper part of the icon is placed the image of Jesus on both sides of which are the apostles. They all participate in the process of the court. The lower part of the icon is busy trumpeting angels that gather all.

Then under the image of Jesus is the throne (Etimasia). Is the judgment seat where can be placed the spear, reed, sponge, the gospel. This is an important detail in this composition, which later becomes an independent character.

The lower part of the image talks about what will happen to the righteous and sinners, which will be a Terrible judgment of God. The icon here is split. To the right of Christ can be seen of the righteous, which move in the Heaven, and the mother of God, angels and the garden of Eden. To the left of Christ depicted hell, sinners and demons and Satan.

These two parts of established icons in the plot are divided by the river or fiery serpent. The latter is depicted with a serpentine body across the icon, and his tail lowered to hell. Ring of the serpent was often called by the name of ordeal (fornication, drunkenness, etc.).

Interpretation

The Icon of the last judgment, the interpretation which to some it may seem creepy, has its meaning for believers. By divine design, the acts of every person who ever lived on earth will be reviewed at the judgment, to preside over which Jesus Christ, the son of God. This will happen during his Second coming.

After the trial the person will be a direct road either to a hell or in Paradise according to his deeds. It is believed that this is a special moment in the renewal of the world, the soul can be United with God or forever go to hell. However, the essence of composition is not to intimidate the man, but in order to think over 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 has come down to the present day

To have survived some ancient images, which are preserved like a painting in the temples. For example, in Thessaloniki, Church of Panagia Chalkeon painting dates from the year 1028, as in Sinai, in the monastery of St. Catherine, survived two icons of the last judgment. Also in London, in the Victoria and albert Museum, is a plate of ivory with this picture in Venice in the Basilica of Torcello is a mosaic with this theme.

There are Also ancient images in Russia. For example, in the Moscow Kremlin assumption Cathedral is the earliest icon “judgment” (photo below). Also, these paintings can be found in some temples (indicated above).

Words of saintsof the last judgment

About the last judgment is very much said in the Scriptures and in the sayings of the saints. Many kept this image before the eyes, to see the consequences of sin and spiritual neglect.

St. Theophan the recluse spoke of the continued 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 – unknown.

St. John also believed that there is nothing to wonder, when will happen the last day, but there are terrible omens of a speedy end. This is different calamities and destruction, war and famine. The very same person will change, forget the laws of God. At this time will be magnified sin 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 helped in this, because its compositional range is made in such a way as to see everything clearly and in detail (heavenly bliss of the righteous and infernal torments of sinners).

The Story of the last judgement in the paintings of artists

So, as you can see, for Christians is a very important composition, depicting the last judgment. The icon painted on the walls of temples – this is not the only thing that was shown this theme. It was and is very popular with artists. It's quite a bright theme that found its place in painting.

For example, Michelangelo is a fresco made on the subject. It is located in the Sistine chapel. Although this was the order of the Pope, but the painter executed it in his own way. It depicts a naked body, openly described the anatomy of men. This later even led to conflict.

Is Also very famous triptych of Hieronymus Bosch. It's a very strong picture that in some way affects the beholder. It is believed that no one except the Bosch, then did not able to convey what no man living has seen firsthand. The plot of the painting is divided into three parts. In the heart – an image of the court itself, on the left is Paradise and the right – hell. Each song is very realistic.

Of Course, it's not all the painters who used the biblical story of the last judgment in his paintings. Many were inspired by apocalyptic compositions, and then tried to create their own vision of it. Not all adhere to biblical moments, showing their imagination. Thus, there are many variations of the last judgment, which was far from the canons.

Image brush Vasnetsov

Viktor Vasnetsov at the time created a lot of paintings on a religious theme. One of them was a fresco of the last judgment in the Kiev Vladimir Cathedral, and St. George's Cathedral.

The Icon of the last judgement Vasnetsov in Kiev, the Cathedral came first. In writing the author does not use the already established Canon, so the image looks a bit theatrical, although built on the basis of biblical and patristic texts. In the center of the composition is the angel who holds the scales in her hand. On one side are the sinners, and Gehenna, in which they actually fall. On the other side are the worshipers of the righteous.

As you can see in the image, among the wicked are rich, kings, men of the clergy. The author wanted 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. The top image is the Lord himself, who holds the gospel book and the cross. Beside him is the mother of God and John the forerunner.

The Second was written for the fabric of St. George's Cathedral. His story remained unchanged and, according to many who saw the painting for the first time, made a striking impression. This canvas had a stormy history during the Soviet Union. In the sunset of its existence, the painting was hardly reconstructed and returned to the old place.

Image brush Rublev

Another famous product of the last judgement was a fresco Rublev, which is shown in the Moscow Uspenie Cathedral. There was a lot of his paintings, in addition to this. Many were performed together with Daniel Black. In some parts the author deviated from tradition, especially when writing the icon of the last judgment. Rublev portrayed those people who came to the court, not suffering, and hoping for mercy.

By the way, all the faces on the mural is very inspiring and sublime. In this difficult time there are too many things that contributed to the revival of human spirituality.

Thus, the mural made a very slight impression, and carried hope. This led to the fact that the person did not feel fear from the upcoming trial, but was represented by his prevailing justice. Of course, until our times it has survived not completely, but what remained still, striking in its depth.