The Unknown “Musica Universalis” by Sister Joanna

• Main Author: Natalia Belevtseva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Philaret’s Christian Orthodox Institute 2018-05-01
• Series: Вестник Свято-Филаретовского института
• Subjects: sister johanna (reitlinger); textile painting; iconography of animals; сестра иоанна (рейтлингер); роспись по ткани; иконография животных
• Online Access: https://psmb-neos-resources.hb.bizmrg.com/target/sfi/5e3232482a3c31bda399368644b6d12b3e7e376b/%D0%90%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BC%D0%A1%D0%A4%D0%98_%D0%92%D1%8B%D0%BF26_172-199.pdf

The article offers a description and a theological and artistic interpretation of a piece of textile painting (tablecloth) by Sister Joanna (Reitlinger), well-known icon painter of the XX century. This artwork is represented as a symbolic picture of the world, created on the basis of some religious and philosophical views combining the elements of ancient mythology with the Christian concept of the universe. The images of animals inscribed into the segments of the tablecloth are analysed in detail in terms of iconography and colour treatment. The author interprets them as a phenomenon of harmony between the spiritual and material origins.