STAGES OF THE ARTISTIC DECORATION OF SAINT SOPHIA OF KYIV IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESULTS OF THE RECENT CONSERVATION OF ITS MOSAICS AND FRESCOES AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN THE CATHEDRAL 2021

Abstract

The article deals with the results of the studies of the mosaics and frescoes of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv during the conservation of the under-dome space in 2013–2014. The studies of that time have shown that the mosaics of the under-dome space does not belong to the first phase of interior decoration of Saint Sophia. At the first phase of decoration of temple’s interior the space between the cornice under the dome drum and the cornices of the choir floor levels on under-dome pillars was painted with frescoes, which were later replaced with mosaics. Аt the last stage of the mosaic works in under-dome there was a shortage of smalt, therefore the remains of smalt with a limited palette were used. That is why the background of the ornamental friezes on the pillars of the western arch is made of olive smalt, but not yellow, as on the pillars of the eastern arch. Due to the lack of smalt of the required colours, the fresco medallions with the Sebaste martyrs on the western arch were not replaced with mosaic. The archaeological excavations in 2021 revealed in the northern outer gallery of Saint Sophia Cathedral an altar with great apse designed for bishop's services. This fact indicates that the altar of Saint Sophia certain period ceased to serve. This could be due to renovation work being carried out on in the main altar. Сonservation works in 2013– 2014 did not cover the main altar bema. But visual observations of the remains fragments of the mosaic in the north wall of the altar bema give reason to assume that this mosaic could have replaced the initial fresco paintings, as it was in under-dome space. On the fragment below, the gold smalt has been replaced by olive, similar in color to the background of the ornaments on the western pair pillars of the western arch. Thus this fragment could have been performed later. Therefore, the cessation of the functioning of the main altar can be explained by the implementation of additional mosaic decoration in it. Вut confirmation of this assumption will require a detailed study of the walls of the altar vima.