Andrei Rublev

This article is about the medieval Russian painter. For the 1966 Russian film, see Andrei Rublev (film).

Andrei Rublev (Russian: Андрей Рублёв, romanized: Andrey Rublyov,^[1] IPA: [ɐnˈdrʲej rʊˈblʲɵf] (listen); c. 1360 – c. 1430)^[2][3] was a Russian artist. He is thought to be one of the best medieval Russian painters of Orthodox Christian icons and frescoes. He is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is 29 January.^[4]

Saint Andrei Rublev
Rublev on 1961 anniversary stamp
Venerable Father (Prepodobne), Monk and Iconographer
Born	c. 1360
Died	c. 1430 Andronikov Monastery, Moscow
Venerated in	Eastern Orthodox Church
Canonized	6 June 1988, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius by 1988 Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church,
Feast	29 January, 13 June, 4 July, 6 July, 22 August
Attributes	Clothed as an Orthodox monk, often shown holding an icon

The Trinity by Rublev

Early life

There is little information about his life. It is not known where he was born. He probably lived in the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, near Moscow. The first mention of Rublev is in 1405. At this time, he had decorated icons and frescos for the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Moscow Kremlin.

Career

In 1408, he probably painted the Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir. He also painted the Trinity Cathedral in the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius between 1425 and 1427. Andrei's last work was in Moscow's Andronikov Monastery. Here, he painted the frescoes of the Saviour Cathedral. He is also thought to have painted one of the miniatures in the Khitrovo Gospels.

The only work that we known Andre painted is the icon of the Trinity (c. 1410).^[5] It is based on the "Hospitality of Abraham" (which showed Genesis 18). Rublev removed the figures of Abraham and Sarah from the scene. He also changed the subject of the painting to be the Mystery of the Trinity.

Death and legacy

Rublev died at Andronikov Monastery between 1427 and 1430. Rublev's work influenced many artists including Dionisy. The Stoglavi Sobor (1551) made Rublev's style popular for church painting. Since 1959, the Andrei Rublev Museum at the Andronikov Monastery has shown his and related art.

The Russian Orthodox Church canonized Rublev as a saint in 1988. His feast day is on 29 January^[6] and/or on 4 July.^[6][7][8]

In 1966, Andrei Tarkovsky made the film Andrei Rublev. This movie is based on his life.^[9]

Veneration

• 29 January – commemoration of his death anniversary (Greek Orthodox Church)^[10][11]
• 12/13 June – feast day, Synaxis of All of Andronikov Monastery (with Andronicus, Sabbas, Alexander, Abbots of Moscow and Daniel the Black, the icon painter)^[12]
• 4 July – main feast day from the list of "Russian saints of Moscow and Vladimir" by Nikodim (Kononov),
• 6 July – Synaxis of All Saints of Radonezh
• Synaxis of all saints of Moscow – movable holiday on the Sunday before 26 August (ROC)^[13]

Selected works

• 
  Nativity of Jesus, 1405 (Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow Kremlin)
• 
  Baptism of Jesus, 1405 (Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow)
• 
  Annunciation, 1405 (Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow)
• 
  Version of the Theotokos of Vladimir, c. 1405
• 
  St. Michael, 1408 (Iconostasis at Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  St. Gabriel, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  St. Andrew the First-called, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  St. Gregory the Theologian, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  Theotokos from Deësis, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir) Some think this may be the work of Theophanes the Greek
• 
  St. John the Theologian, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  St. John the Baptist, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  The Saviour Enthroned in Glory, Christ in Majesty, 1408 (Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir)
• 
  Harrowing of Hell, 1408-1410 (Vladimir)
• 
  Christ the Redeemer ca. 1410 (Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)
• 
  Ascension, 1408 (Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)
• 
  Apostle Paul, 1410s (Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)