The artwork, titled “Candlemas. From the Festive Row of the Main Iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” was created in 1729 by the collective known as “Orthodox Icons.” It belongs to the Kyiv school of icon painting and falls under the genre of iconography, specifically as part of the Evangelical cycle series. This piece is currently housed in the National Art Museum of Ukraine (NAMU) in Kyiv, Ukraine.
In the artwork, an intricate scene is depicted that is characteristic of the Kyiv school of icon painting. The scene portrays the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, also known as Candlemas, with profound religious symbolism and detailed iconographic elements. Central to the composition are the figures of the Holy Family, the priest, and other significant religious figures, each haloed, symbolizing their sanctity. The setting is an interior space, rendered with both architectural elements and drapery in vibrant colors, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. The octagonal frame further accentuates the focus on the central religious act, making it a visually striking and theologically rich icon.
