RU-3623601 Icon of the Holy Trinity by Andrei Rublev

This is the famous icon of the Holy Trinity painted by Andrei Rublev (in Russian: Андре́й Рублёв) who is considered to be the greatest medieval Russian painter of Orthodox icons and frescos.

The Holy Trinity is the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit - three persons in one God.

Trinity Sunday occurs a week after Pentecost Sunday. Trinity Sunday honours the Holy Trinity.. Although the word “trinity” does not appear in Scripture, it is taught in Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 (and many other biblical passages). The concept of the trinity can never be completely understood or rationalized, but it is clearly taught in Scripture. Understanding of all scriptural doctrine is by faith which comes through the work of the Holy Spirit; therefore, it is appropriate that this mystery is celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost, when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit first occurred.

This icon of the Trinity (c. 1410) is the only work authenticated as entirely drawn by Andrei. The icon is currently in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. It is based on an earlier icon known as the "Hospitality of Abraham" (illustrating Genesis 18). Rublev re-moved the figures of Abraham and Sarah from the scene, and through a subtle use of composition and symbolism changed the subject to focus on the Mystery of the Trinity.
Who is Andrei Rublev?

As mentioned above, he is the greatest medieval Russian painter. Andrei was born in the 1360’s and died in some time between 1427 - 1430. Chronicles tell us that together with Daniil Cherni he painted the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir in 1408 as well as the Cathedral of St. Trinity in the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius between 1425 and 1427. After Daniil's death, Andrei came to Moscow's Andronikov Monastery where he painted his last work, the frescoes of the Saviour Cathedral. He is also believed to have painted at least one of the miniatures in the Khitrovo Gospels.

 This postcard came from Svetlana (29 April 2015) Postcrossing.