ELEGIDO

Christa Zaat

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov (Russian painter) 1862 - 1942
Видение отроку Варфоломею (Vision to Youth Bartholomew), 1889-90
oil on canvas
160 x 211 cm.
Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia

Painting opens a series of works devoted to the deeds of St. Sergius of Radonezh (about 1321-1391), founder and abbot of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery, who bore the name of Bartholomew in the world. Serge - one of the most revered Russian saints adolescent whose image became a symbol for the artist hopes for the revival of Russian spirituality. Nesterov uses an episode from the life of St. Sergius. Unlike his brother, Bartholomew was given to mention difficult. Once in the search for the missing herd boy wandered into the forest, where he met a monk monk praying under the oak. When he learned that the boy vainly seeking to master reading and writing, he helped through the sacrament Bartholomew receive the gift of wisdom. Foldable hand icon Elder resembling a temple, a little church in the distance - the symbols of the future achievements of the saint. Frail figure boy consonant thin saplings, brittle blade, young pine, punching at his feet. In contrast, the dark figure elder mysteriously appears because an ancient oak tree. His face is hidden, glowing halo around the head. Like a brooding contemplation of the autumn landscape conjured up a vision of the artist.