The artwork titled “Christ as Saviour” by Andrei Rublev, created circa 1410 in Zvenigorod, Russian Federation, is a notable piece within the Byzantine and Moscow school of icon painting. Executed in tempera on wood, the artwork measures 158 by 106 cm and is part of the “The Zvenigorod Deesis” series. This religious icon currently resides in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
“Christ as Saviour” exemplifies the revered tradition of Orthodox Christian iconography. Despite the passage of time, the visage of Christ remains discernible, characterized by a calm and dignified expression. The artwork exhibits the signature halo around Christ’s head, symbolizing divinity, a common feature in Byzantine icons. The background, composed of the aged wooden panel, lends the icon an air of solemnity and spiritual endurance. Though portions of the painting show signs of wear and deterioration, these elements add to its historical significance, emphasizing its survival through centuries as an object of veneration and artistic heritage. The earthly colors, primarily ochre and brown tones, align with the iconographic conventions of the period, further anchoring the artwork within its religious and historical context.
