THE CREATIVE JOURNEY OF WOODCARVER SISSOY ZOTOVICH SHALMATOV

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the creative legacy of woodcarver and entrepreneur Sysoy Zotovich Shalmatov (1720–1789?), who occupies a significant place in the history of Ukrainian sacred art in the second half of the 18th century. The figure of the artist is particularly important for understanding the evolution of wooden sculpture and iconostasis carving in Left-Bank Ukraine during the transition from late Baroque to Rococo style. The research methodology is based on historical, cultural, and art history approaches. Comparative analysis, historical-chronological, axiological, formal-stylistic, iconographic, and typological methods were used. Carver S. Z. Shalmatov was born near Tver and, after receiving his education in Kursk, settled in Okhtyrka, where he founded a workshop that became an important center for iconostasis carving. His work spread to Poltava, Romny, Lyubny, and Chopovychi, where he created monumental ensembles that combined rich ornamentation with expressive sculptural imagery. The study traces the stages of Shalmatov’s career, focusing on his collaboration with other craftsmen and his major commissions. Among them, the iconostasis of the Pokrovska Church in Romny (1768–1773) stands out as the pinnacle of his oeuvre, blending dynamic Rococo lines with profound theological symbolism. The later iconostasis of the Trinity Church in Chopovychi (1774–1775) demonstrated innovative use of sculptural figures of prophets and apostles, decorative consoles, and unusual iconographic motifs that went beyond traditional Orthodox conventions. Special attention is paid to the problem of attribution. Surviving sculptures from the Chopovychi Trinity Church, now preserved in the National Art Museum of Ukraine, have sparked scholarly debate. Although direct documentation is lacking, current research suggests that these works are most likely connected to Shalmatov or his workshop. The article highlights Shalmatov’s artistic sources, including Ukrainian folk ornament, embroidery, and mural painting, which inspired his preference for vegetal motifs, garlands, and curvilinear forms. His work successfully synthesized monumental expressiveness and decorative refinement, achieving a distinctive balance between folk traditions and European stylistic influences. Shalmatov’s legacy is significant for understanding the development of Ukrainian wooden sculpture and iconostasis art in the eighteenth century, providing insight into broader processes of cultural interaction within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.