Description of the picture:
God of hosts – Victor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov. 1885. One hundred thirty five x 250
The host of hosts is one of the names of God, whose sacred sacred meaning is lost in time. It is believed that it means “Lord of the armies of the Angels”, in this meaning this name is used several times in the Bible.
Obviously, in the picture the artist plays up precisely this secret meaning of the divine name, since the central figure of the hosts is surrounded by hosts of seraphim, cherubim and thrones. The special structure of the composition creates a feeling of continuous movement in a circle. The figure of God located in the center is supported by thrones with ocher-colored wings. Their wings are directed upward diagonally, creating a continuous line with figures of cherubs located in the upper corners of the canvas. Such placement of accompanying figures forms the frame of the main figure, and due to the placement along the ascending lines, the effect of movement appears.
The background gives the spatial depth to the canvas – this is the image of the sky in its cosmic interpretation. Stars and luminaries are placed on it, including the immediately recognizable planets – Jupiter and Saturn. All cosmic bodies are also located in a special way – along an oval line with ends ascending to the upper corners of the picture. It also helps create image depth and movement.
The main part of the canvas is an image of a god, a tired, lowered хэнд, supported on both sides by fiery seraphim. The hosts are sad, he is tired of the efforts to create the world, the seraphim are tender and lovingly pressed to his shoulders, pitying and embracing their Creator. Cherubs in holy awe look at the creator of the universe. On the chest of God is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.
The halo behind the head of the hosts is decorated with the six-pointed star of David – a symbol of wisdom. This can also be considered a reference to the Old Testament. Although the picture at first glance seems simple and understandable, upon careful examination, you can find a multilayer subtext, which is very exciting to decipher."