Publications
Bricks from the Twelfth-Century Churches in Pskov
A unique analysis of twelfth-century brickwork from Pskov's pre-Mongol churches reveals distinct architectural traditions and local adaptations. The study identifies key features of ceramic fabric, molding techniques, and brick formats, demonstrating strong ties to the Novgorod School while highlighting deviations such as advanced brick marking, absence of dentils in cornices, and unplastered facades. Notably, rare brick stamps—including princely emblems like bidents—were found on plinths from St. Demetrius of Solun Church, offering unprecedented insights into medieval craftsmanship and symbolism. The research synthesizes existing data to reconstruct the design and construction methods of these landmarks, providing a foundation for future studies on Pskov's architectural heritage.
Subjects of the Medieval Pskov Churches’ Tiles in the Perception of their Contemporaries
A detailed classification of the subjects and artistic features of medieval Pskov church tiles, dating from the 14th to 17th centuries, reveals a rich tapestry of symbolic imagery that reflects Christian polysemous symbolism. The study identifies three main groups: geometric, floristic, and ornithomorphic ornaments, with floristic designs being the most prevalent, featuring motifs like grapes, carnations, and floral rosettes. Unique tiles, including those depicting a centaur and a horseman, were uncovered on churches such as St. George's (15th century) and Peter and Paul Church (16th century), both part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research highlights the laconicism, generalization, and harmonious composition of these tiles, offering insights into the visual perception and symbolic transmission of Russian cultural values through architectural art.
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