Rus' Orthodox Icons

Timeline

1. 988–1020Kyiv · KyivAfter Grand Prince Vladimir's baptism, Byzantine craftsmen and Greek missionaries brought icon-painting techniques to Kyiv; cross-form panels and egg tempera techniques began to spread in churches and the court, laying the foundation of Rus' icon art.
2. 1037–1054Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv · KyivAfter the completion of Saint Sophia Cathedral, the interior iconostasis and mural system were perfected; local painters formed an early Rus' icon style under Byzantine paradigms, becoming a model of the capital's religious art.
3. 1051–1060Kyiv and surrounding monasteries · KyivAfter Yaroslav's death in 1054 the princes contested the throne, but the churches of Kyiv and monasteries such as the Caves Monastery continued icon production and liturgical display; icons as symbols of Orthodox identity were not interrupted by political change.