The artwork titled “Saint John the Evangelist,” created by Andrei Rublev in 1408, is a religious icon painting measuring 312 by 105 cm. It is part of a series of paintings for the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, Russia, and is currently housed there. This piece, crafted using wood and tempera, is a notable example of the Byzantine and Moscow school of icon painting, emphasizing its religious genre and significance in Eastern Orthodox Christian art.
The artwork depicts Saint John the Evangelist holding a book, symbolizing his role as a gospel writer. The figure is rendered in a traditional Byzantine style with elongated proportions and a solemn, contemplative expression. The background is plain, allowing the viewer to focus on the saint’s visage and the intricate details of his garments. His robes are depicted with deep, flowing folds, highlighted by vibrant colors and delicate brushwork that reflects the icon tradition’s spiritual and symbolic emphasis. This painting is characterized by its spiritual profundity and the serene, reflective demeanor of Saint John, typical of Rublev’s mastery in conveying religious themes.
