Andrei Rublev

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Andrei Rublev, a renowned medieval Russian painter of Orthodox icons and frescos, is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of his era. Little information survives about his life, including where he was born, however it is believed that he lived in the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra near Moscow under Nikon of Radonezh's guidance after the death of Sergii Radonezhsky in 1392. The first recorded mention of Rublev dates back to 1405 when he worked alongside Theophanes the Greek and Prokhor of Gorodets to decorate icons and frescos for the Cathedral of the Annunciation in the Moscow Kremlin. As a junior artist both by rank and age, Rublev's name was listed last among his colleagues. Theophanes, a prominent Byzantine master who had moved to Russia, is thought to have trained Rublev in his craft. According to historical accounts, Rublev collaborated with Daniil Cherni to paint the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir in 1408 and the Trinity Cathedral in the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius between 1425 and 1427. Following Daniil's passing, Rublev moved to Moscow's Andronikov Monastery where he created his final work, the frescoes of the Saviour Cathedral. Additionally, he is believed to have contributed at least one miniature to the Khitrovo Gospels. Rublev's most notable and authenticated work is the icon of the Trinity, crafted around 1410 and currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. This masterpiece is based on an earlier icon known as the "Hospitality of Abraham," which illustrates Genesis 18. Rublev transformed the scene by removing the figures of Abraham and Sarah, instead focusing on the Mystery of the Trinity through a subtle use of composition and symbolism. Rublev's art seamlessly combines two distinct traditions: the highest asceticism and the classic harmony of Byzantine mannerism. The characters in his paintings are always depicted as peaceful and calm. Over time, his work came to be perceived as the ideal standard for Eastern Church painting and Orthodox iconography.