Russian School

The development of Russian art begins with the change from pagan religion to Christianity. With the change of faith began the creation of icons. Religious depictions are an art form of Russian painting that can be traced back to the 1st century. Icons are depictions of religious figures and scenes, often elaborated with a sumptuous color scheme in opulent blues and golden elements. The perspective is strikingly flattened. Icons are widespread in Orthodox Christianity. The representations mainly decorate places of worship, but are also very popular in private rooms as a sign of faith. One of the most famous painters of this genre is Andrei Rublev , who lived during the European Middle Ages. Icon painting was the defining art form of Russian painting until the 17th century. In the depictions, developmental steps are visible. Simon Ushakov used icon painting for scenes that did not have an exclusively biblical origin and his works show approaches of perspective and depth.