7. Fragment of iconostasis representing the Friezes of the Apostles and Prophets, Northern Transylvania, Transylvanian school, end of the 18th century, rarity

Identifying elements of iconographic and stylistic order: The shaping and dimensions of the iconostasis pieces respect the opening of the arch vault separating the altar from the nave. Thus, the Prophets' frieze superimposed on the Apostles' frieze (each frieze composed of two fragments) forms a circular arc, constituting the upper part of an iconostasis from a wooden church in Northern Transylvania, above which undoubtedly figure the Trimorph - The Cross - and molebens, and beneath that, the frieze with the great holidays - Imperial Feasts. Noteworthy is that, in the row of the 12 Apostles, appears - atypical - the Mother of God ("in all ways similar to the Apostles"). On the dark blue background at the top, and red at the bottom, are represented, until below the belt, from left to right: Apostle Thomas, Apostle James, Apostle Mark, Apostle Paul, the Mother of God, Apostle Matthew, Apostle Peter, Apostle Paul, Apostle Andrew, Apostle John, Apostle Simon, Apostle Bartholomew, Apostle Philip. Only six Prophets are depicted: Solomon, David, Melchisedek, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Aaron. The chromatics are bright, slightly valued, with complementary colors red-green dominating, occasionally nuanced with white, ochre, and green. The flat faces are done graphically through a confident, synthetic and expressive drawing. Regarding how the characters' garments are made, the painter respects tradition, but simplifies them. Technical identifying elements: The panels are made of spruce wood, their shaping being dictated by the architecture of the church for which the iconostasis was destined; the painting is executed in tempera on wood. Conclusions: The technical elements regarding the preparation of the iconostasis friezes, the composition and style of the painting, as well as some particularities of the anonymous painter, entitle us to consider that the execution of the iconostasis fragments took place in the Bistrita-Nasaud area, their painting presenting common features with that of painter Toader Popovici (1782) (A.D.).

Dimensions

custom Apostles: 130 x 38 cm and 111 x 38 cm; Prophets: 90 x 39 cm and 92 x 38 cm

Description

tempera on wood

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