Authors

Ana Popova¹;  ¹ Independent Researcher, UK

Discussion

Towards the middle of the 14th century, Serbian Medieval Art witnessed an increase of Old Testament figures in the fresco painting of the churches. Their representations were accompanied by attributes or texts invoking the Virgin. This period also gave rise to a number of scenes and small cycles inspired by Old Testament scriptures, ecclesiastical poetry, and liturgical texts evoking the Mother of God. The decoration of the church of St. George at Pološko (1343-45) marked a turning point in the representation of the Marian prefigurations, setting the tone for the art of the later half of the 14th century and the first half of the 15th century. This period was characterized by a representation of a small number of scenes referring to the prefigurations of the Virgin, while there was an increase in the number of prophets depicted with Marian attributes.
This contribution will explore the integration of the theme of the Incarnation in the context of this 14th-century funeral church. Here, the Virgin's role in this pivotal event is vividly conveyed through prophets bearing texts alluding to her or bearing attributes associated with her. We will also explore how the theme of the Incarnation was skilfully included in others frescoes of the church making this monument one of the most unique examples of the Balkan Medieval Art.