Baroque of Saint Sophia Cathedral as a representation of National Identity

The Baroque mural ensemble of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv serves as a powerful representation of Ukrainian national identity, blending Eastern Christian tradition with cultural symbolism. The study reveals that the cathedral's 18th-century murals, particularly the image of 'Sophia — Mary — Church,' maintain continuity with earlier Old Ruthenian designs while emphasizing a distinct 'Ukrainian Baroque' aesthetic in contrast to Russian Classicism. Through an interdisciplinary analysis, the research demonstrates how the sacred space (hierotopia) of St. Sophia transforms liturgical experience into a 'living icon,' reinforcing its role as a marker of Ukrainian heritage and identity.

Demchuk, R. (2024). Baroque of Saint Sophia Cathedral as a representation of National Identity. The Culturology Ideas, (26 (2′2024)), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.37627/2311-9489-26-2024-2.26-40