SHOWCASE 1. SCULPTURAL IMAGE OF SAINT GEORGE

Showcase 1 demonstrates one of the most ancient artefacts of Russian wooden plastic art—the sculptural image of St George, made in Moscow at the end of the 14th – beginning of the 15th century. It was heavily damaged due to the case of fire; nevertheless, it was carefully hidden in the garret of one of the Kremlin’s buildings. Museum staff has found the sculpture at the end of the 1910s.

This work of art is made in the shape of high relief, like all Old Russian sculptural images. Such sculptures were kept in special icon-cases (kiot) and were worshipped like icons. The saint is presented full height wearing martial vestments, not in the image of a dragon fighter on horseback. Judging from his arm position, there must have been a lance in the warrior’s right hand, while his left hand probably leaned against a shield or hold a sword. Among all the carved images of St George, known in Russian plastic art, this is the only sculpture where he is shown full height in solemn intercession. This is analogous only to specimens among rare Byzantium wooden sculpture images.

As seen from extant tool marks, this figure—except hands, feet and a part of a halo—was delicately carved from the all-of-a-piece lime tree trunk, tempera painted on gesso and gilded. The halo was decorated with a thin silver foil or wrought silver. Obviously, this image was deeply venerated as well as it presented a real piece of art.