Образи и сцени от архангелския цикъл от църквата „Рождество Христово“ в Арбанаси
Images and scenes belonging to the Archangel cycle from the Church of the Nativity in Arbanasi

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this article is to determine the level of reverence towards the archangels in the scenes depicted in the program of the Church of the Nativity, the iconographic traditions it reflects, as well as point out the peculiarities and the innovations in the painted angelic and archangelic imagery and scenes from the archangel cycle. Among the scenes and images visualizing the position taken by archangel cult, it is noticeable that the images of ethereal forces take center stage in the vast gallery of scenes in the Church of the Nativity. This iconographic decision leaves a strong impression for the enlightenment of the temple, as archangels are not its patron. The compositions and images depicted include angels and archangels in the progressively more complex iconographic program of the 17th-century mural scenes. Angels, archangels and seraphs are the characters complementing each composition along the vault and the altar. These images are included in the murals not only in the places established during the festive cycle, but also in the multiple depictions of scenes from the archangel cycle. Scenes of it are included all throughout the temple. It is of note that the old tradition in painting scenes of the archangel cycle is preserved and adapted to the changes in the architectural forms of the temple. Alongside it, completely new scenes are established and imposed, which multiply and enhance the storylines of the archangel cycle. Rarely depicted subjects are also introduced, and some traditional scenes are repeated few times over. The common depiction of these personages is an expression of a strong and established tradition of reverence towards them.

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