Baranova Svetlana

Birds of Paradise. Anna Leonidovna Udaltsova (22.02.1954–8.04.2013)

Abstract

This article is dedicated to memory of Anna Udaltsova, artist-ceramist, professor, Head of the Department of Art Ceramics of Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Arts and Industry. The main direction of A. L. Udaltsova’s academic and artistic work was connected with the study and creation of architectural ceramics for church architecture. As an architect by profession, Udaltsova was particularly interested in the historical experience of Old Russian architects and masters of tile decor in architectural monuments. This topic was dealt with in her ground-breaking publications and dissertation which studied compositional techniques related to the use of glazed tiles, mainly with birds, in the decoration of Old Russian architecture. Her academic work reveals artistic methods of Old Russian masters, demonstrates great commitment to the theme and the material, deep interest for church art, which came to play a prominent role in her life. In the 2000s, the connection between Udaltsova’s academic interests and her architectural and artistic practice manifested iteslf very clearly. For the walls of Moscow Conception (Zachatievsky) Monastery in Ostozhenka Street, Udaltsova made relief polychrome tiles depicting birds and rosettes as well as a large-scale panel with the Cross of Calvary. The most complicated projects of the latter years were ceramic iconostaseis for Znamenskaya church in the village of Kholmy near Moscow and for the cathedral of Conception Monastery. On the whole, A. L. Udaltsova’s creative work continues the unique tradition of making ceramic iconostaseis. It originated in the 17th century, continued in the 19th, and has recently been revitalised.

Keywords

ceramics, architecture, tile, temple, iconostasis, decor, modern ceramics, glazes for ceramics, painting with glazes

References

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Information about the author

Baranova Svetlana

Academic Degree: Candidate of Sciences* in Art Criticism;
Academic Degree: Doctor of Sciences* in History;
Academic Rank: Professor;
Place of work: Russian State Humanitarian University; 6 Miusskaya Square, Moscow 125267, Russian Federation; St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University for the Humanities; 6/1 Likhov pereulok, Moscow 127051, Russian Federation;
Post: Москва, 115142 Коломенская 27-388;
ORCID: 0000-0001-9393-1151;
Email: svetlanbaranova@yandex.ru.

*According to ISCED 2011, a post-doctoral degree called Doctor of Sciences (D.Sc.) is given to reflect second advanced research qualifications or higher doctorates.