Name: icon "Archangel Gabriel and Mother of God; the Raising of Lazarus, Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)"
Author: unknown
Date: mid 16th century
Country: Ukraine
Technique/material: tempera and silver gilt on panel
The icon is part of the iconostasis exhibited in the museum "Stara Skvaryava iconostasis of the XVI-XVIII centuries"
Description:
Unlike the icons of the apostles, this icon is rather static. Archangel Gabriel and Mary are depicted facing Christ in the center of the Prayer tier, with their hands raised as if in supplication to Jesus. Archangel Gabriel also holds a sphere in his left hand, a symbol of his authority as a messenger. The intriguing aspect of this icon is the gaze of the figures. The archangel's eyes are turned towards Christ, while the Virgin Mary gazes at the viewer. Archangel Gabriel is traditionally depicted in diaconal vestments, while the Virgin Mary is dressed in a blue tunic and a crimson maphorion that covers her head and shoulders.
The composition of the Resurrection of Lazarus is not a part of the traditional list of the twelve major feasts, but in the 16th century, it was still included in the liturgical cycle. The icon's composition is traditional: in the center, there is a noticeably larger figure of Jesus, who commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Behind Jesus, a group of agitated apostles is having a conversation among themselves. In front of them, against the backdrop of a city, there are people who cover their faces with their hands wrapped in their clothes, avoiding the stench that, according to the evangelist, was already coming out of Lazarus' grave (it was already the fourth day after his death). Before Jesus, we can recognize Lazarus's sisters, Mary and Martha, who are frozen in the moment when they realized and witnessed the miracle performed by their Teacher.
The composition of the icon “The Entry into Jerusalem” somewhat resembles the previous icon: once again, in the center, there is a larger figure of Jesus, but this time he is riding a donkey, facing the crowd of people who are coming out of the city to meet him. Behind him, there is a group of apostles, almost identical to the one on the icon “The Resurrection of Lazarus”. Children lay their clothes under the donkey’s hooves and hold branches, and some figures in the background are also depicted with branches in their hands against city backdrop.
Description:
The description was prepared by Roman Zilinko, art historian, icon painter