The art. exhibition “Ivan Rutkovych. Zhovkva Iconostasis (1697-1699)” will open in the Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv (20 Svobody Ave.) on September, 11 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
For the first time all the superb icons and some decorative carvings forming the ensemble of the iconostasis from the Nativity Church in Zhovkva (Lviv region) will be shown to the public. The exhibition will run till November, 8 2009.
Visitors will not only enjoy the art. works created by the outstanding Ukrainian icon-painter of the Bar
oque epoch Ivan Rutkovych but will be provided with various historical documents supplemented with scientific commentary and multimedia reconstruction of the iconostasis.
The iconostasis in its authentic appearance – besides the magnificent colouring, rich carvings, gilding, and expanded subjects comprised in the cycles – impressed with its dimensions: 10,85×11,87. It was composed of 7 tiers: The Local, Supplementary (with evangelical scenes), Pentecost, Festive, Deesis and Prophets. The construction was crowned with the Crucifixion with Attending Saints, and the cartouche with the Deposition and the Passion scenes flanking it beneath.
The Zhovkva monument reflected a vast range of innovations being introduced into Ukrainian iconostasis in the 17th century. In particular, it concerns placing above the local tier supplementary icons with the Old and New Testament scenes as well as Pentecost predominantly seen in Western Ukrainian ensembles. Following Lviv master-painters of the early 17th century Ivan Rutkovych put forth the Passion theme that formerly appeared in iconostasis constructions quite seldom. Of special attention is incorporation into the Apostolic tier – along with the representation of the Emperor Constantine – figure of the Prince Volodymyr the Great thus emphasising the equality of the Prince with the Apostles.
Presently the iconostasis from the Nativity Church in Zhovkva (Lviv region) is a milestone monument that highlights the best attainments not only in the creative legacy of Ivan Rutkovych but in the artistic heritage of Zhovkva icon-painting centre. Along with the distinguished monuments of the epoch the Zhovkva iconostasis ensemble remains a striking example of flourishing of Ukrainian art. at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries.
The Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv is open from 10:00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m. (Monday – day off). The last entry is half an hour before closing.
For more information contact us on:
Tel.: 38 032 235 88 56
E-mail: nmlkult@gmail.com
