Netherlandish sources of the Kiev Pentecostarion

The Pentecostarion or Flowery Triodion, published in Kiev in 1631, is an important element of the transformations in Orthodox Ruthenian art in the modern age. The book includes 12 illustrations of Christ’s Passion, popular among painters and sculptors who often used them as models. The reason was likely their simple and clear composition, easy to copy even for painters somewhat lacking in talent. Most of the drawings were inspirited by the work of Adriaen Collaert from the Passio, mors et resurrectio dn. Nostri Jesu Christi. The prints are likely to be the oldest example of Dutch influence on the artists in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. The large edition of the printed Triodion made it easier to disseminate the engravings, and with them original, new iconographic schemes and innovative techniques. Many compositions, especially icons, based on the Kiev engravings, demonstrate their powerful influence on Ruthenian art, permanently changing the way of depicting the subject of passion in this artistic environment.