Simon Ushakov
Archangel Michael.
1676.
The State Tretyakov Gallery.

   The XVIIth century was marked as a turning-point in the history and culture of Russia. Art gradually became secular and festive. The icons of this trend displayed bright colours: vermillion, rich blue and emerald green, in addition to the dark ochre and yellow-gold like background so characteristic of the 17th century painting period. The canonical composition in the XVIIth century icons was made more complicated by the introduction of elaborate real architectural structures which served as the background for the main action.

   One of the outstanding masters of the XVIIth century was Simon Ushakov. He created his own art school at the State Armoury of the Moscow Kremlin. He and his followers depicted real buildings, cathedrals, streets at their icons. The icons of Simon Ushakov are very solemn. On the icon you can see the full-length image of Archangel Michael. His figure picked out in the bright tones.