No. 1 (40) (2026), Forum
No. 1 (40) (2026)

The development of Kostroma icon painting from the first third of the 17th century to 1682

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46748/ARTEURAS.2026.01.010
Published 2026-03-30
Ivan Nikolaevich Suloev
Kostroma State Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve, Kostroma, Russian Federation
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iwdoroga@mail.ru
Выпуск № 1 (40) 2026 журнала "Искусство Евразии"
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Keywords

17th-century icon painting, Kostroma icon painting, Kostroma icon painters, Guriy Nikitin, icon

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Suloev, I.N. (2026) ‘The development of Kostroma icon painting from the first third of the 17th century to 1682’, The Art of Eurasia, (1), pp. 180–191. doi:10.46748/ARTEURAS.2026.01.010.
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Abstract

This study focuses on analysing the development of Kostroma icon painting from the early 17th century to 1682. The relevance of this work lies in identifying new monuments that require attribution, as well as the growing interest in regional artistic heritage within the context of tourism and pilgrimage. The research aims to establish a chronology for the creation of these icons, identify their specific stylistic features, and trace the overall evolution of the local school. The study is based on 118 icons, which were examined using art-historical and comparative-historical methods. It has been determined that by the 1640s, Kostroma icon painting had developed distinct characteristics, with two distinct lines of development: one following the traditions of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and another influenced by metropolitan (Moscow) models. The defining features of each direction have been identified. By the mid-17th century, Kostroma icon-painting workshops (artels) had fully formed, and by the 1670s, Kostroma icon painting demonstrated an enriched palette and meticulous detailing, with new stylistic elements emerging, including features of the Frangian style (Western-influenced Russian icon painting).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46748/ARTEURAS.2026.01.010

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