PAGES FROM THE HISTORY OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY OF THE VIRGIN OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMPLEX OF THE DISTANT CAVES OF THE KYIV-PECHERSK LAVRA

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to consider certain aspects of the history of construction, features of the planning structure, architectural and plastic solution and artistic and decorative decoration of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the context of restoration and repair work of different periods. The methodological basis of the study is based on historical-genetic, comparative, structural-functional, and iconographic methods and approaches. Additionally, the method of graphic analysis was applied. Focusing attention on the study of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin as a source of information about the development of culture and art of a certain period, actualizes the need to rethink and generalize previous practical experience in the study and restoration of the monument, identifying the volumes and value criteria of historical layers, updates, restoration interventions at all stages of historical development. In the course of processing several of archival sources, data on changes and the nature of the artistic decoration of the church – monumental paintings and iconostasis in the period of the 18th–19th centuries (now lost) were highlighted. Previously unknown information was revealed regarding the results of research conducted at the end of the 19th century, which clarify certain aspects of the functional purpose and features of the spatial-planning structure of the temple. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin plays an important role in the formation of the architectural ensemble located on the Dalnopecherny Hill of the lower territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. During its existence, the temple underwent several periods of restoration work, which were associated not only with the elimination of technical shortcomings and the consequences of fires, hostilities, and natural disasters, but also with changes in artistic trends and stylistic preferences. However, significant transformations have affected the internal decoration of the church, thereby altering the monument's artistic image