THE STUDY OF THE IMAGE OF CATHERINE IN THE ICONOGRAPHY OF THE XVIII CENTURY ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ICON OF THE “HOLY GREAT MARTYRS CATHERINE, JULITA, PRASKOVYA AND ST. KIRIK” FROM TULA REGION

Abstract

When working with a particular monument, a comprehensive approach is necessary – it is advisable to carry out not only conservation and restoration work, but also to conduct scientific research on the biography of this monument in order to give a correct idea of its features, to assess its historical and artistic significance. This article examines the image of the Great Martyr Catherine on an icon of the XVIII century with an unconventional version of iconography for this saint. First of all, the conservation and restoration measures carried out for the preservation of the monument are described. Further, the possible reasons that could influence the creation of the image of St. Catherine on this icon are investigated, which is the purpose of the study. To fulfill it, the analysis of the influence of the reign of Empress Catherine II on the expansion of veneration, as well as the creation of images of the Great Martyr Catherine, is carried out.