Pshenichniy, Petr Vladimirovich. The representation of female saints with Theotokos and selected saints in Russian icons 13th–16th centuries

The veneration of Theotokos was a crucial importance in Orthodox tradition, especially in Medieval Russian culture. In this regard the representations of female saints draw an attention due to they were quite frequently represented with Theotokos in the selected saints composition or in the double-sided icons on the reverse. However, this topic isn’t studied enough. This article is dedicated to the interpretation of female saints representation function in the Theotokos icons with selected saints. The female saints in the icons of this type are the key figures emphasizing some aspects of Theotokos cult such as guidance, protection and illuminance. This article provides the new interpretation of female saints representation with Theotokos on the various Medieval Russian icons examples. On the one hand, this new interpretation isn’t opposite to the traditional approach, on the other hand one shed a light to some aspect of female saints cult in the Medieval Russian culture.

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