The artwork entitled “The Eagle of St. John the Evangelist” is attributed to the renowned artist Andrei Rublev and dates back to circa 1400. Originating from Moscow, Russian Federation, it represents the Byzantine and Moscow school of icon painting movements. Categorized as a miniature, this piece forms part of the Khitrovo Gospels series and is currently housed in the Russian State Library in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork features a majestic eagle, an emblematic symbol of St. John the Evangelist, rendered with meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Byzantine iconography. The eagle, depicted with finely detailed feathers and a stately posture, holds a book, signifying the Gospel writings. The background is lavishly gilded, enhancing the sense of divine illumination and sacred reverence. The eagle is encircled by a decorative green border adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs, which adds to the intricate and opulent aesthetic typical of Byzantine miniature art. The overall composition and stylistic elements reflect the reverence and spirituality infused in the religious art of the period, demonstrating Rublev’s masterful iconographic technique.
