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Local traditions of the Soviet icon. Field research methodology

https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2024-4-70-91

Abstract

Since 2021 The Educational and Scientific Center for Visual Studies of the Middle Ages and Modern Times of the Russian State University for the Humanities carries out research on a still little-studied phenomenon – Soviet folezhnyi (foil) icons. These are prayer images of various types (most often photographic or chromolithographic), placed under glass in a homemade kiot (icon case) and variously decorated with foil and paper decor. In the Soviet decades, during the era of the illegal existence of icon craft, different areas and «handicraftsmen» of villages developed their own artistic manners and traditions of creating icons in kiots with different technologies, ornaments and types of decor. One of the main tasks for researchers of the Soviet icon is to identify and describe these local traditions, their characteristic stylistic and material features. The article is intended as methodological guidelines for the organization of field research in local traditions of the Soviet icon. It article complements the previously developed thematic guide questionnaire and D.I. Antonov’s methodological article on the principles and general program of work on the study of Soviet icons in different regions. The order of presenting methodological recommendations in the article is consistent with the course and tasks of organizing expeditionary work. The following stages and directions of field research of Soviet icons are consistently considered: a) planning a research expedition; b) the specifics of fieldwork with local communities; c) the specifics of fieldwork with local traditions; d) the research ethics of fieldwork with Soviet icons.

About the Author

D. Yu. Doronin
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation

Dmitrii Yu. Doronin

6, Miusskaya Sq., Moscow, 125047



References

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Review

For citations:


Doronin D.Yu. Local traditions of the Soviet icon. Field research methodology. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin: “Literary Teory. Linguistics. Cultural Studies”, Series. 2024;(4):70-91. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2024-4-70-91

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