Olisey Grechin
Date of Birth: .
Country: Dive |
Content:
- Iconographer: The Master of Novgorod
- Archaeological Discovery
- Possible Leadership of the Nereditsa Fresco Team
- Planned Center for Medieval Crafts
- Authorship of the Novgorod Icon
- Identity and Religious Affiliation
Iconographer: The Master of Novgorod
Early Life and IdentityOlisei Grechin, an iconographer renowned for his remarkable works, lived in Veliky Novgorod during the 12th and 13th centuries. While his nickname, "Grechin," suggests Greek origins, it was also commonly used for Slavic individuals. An alternative account proposes that he was the son of the Novgorod boyar Pyotr Mikhalkovich.
Archaeological Discovery
In the 1970s, archaeologists uncovered an estate in Novgorod's Trinity excavation, which included an icon-painting workshop owned by Olisei Petrovich. The excavation yielded numerous artifacts, including unfinished icons, icon cases, paints, and an artist's toolkit. Additionally, approximately 20 birch bark letters from Olisei's correspondence were found.
Possible Leadership of the Nereditsa Fresco Team
One hypothesis posits that Olisei Grechin led the team of iconographers who created the fresco ensemble of the Church of the Saviour on the Nereditsa River in 1199. The discovery of the workshop on his estate provides circumstantial evidence to support this theory.
Planned Center for Medieval Crafts
The site of Olisei's estate and workshop is slated to become the Center for Medieval Crafts. This center will showcase the techniques and practices employed by medieval artisans, including icon painting.
Authorship of the Novgorod Icon
An intriguing hypothesis attributes the authorship of the iconic Novgorod icon, the Not-Made-by-Hands Image, to Olisei Grechin. This attribution remains unconfirmed but adds to the intrigue surrounding his artistic legacy.
Identity and Religious Affiliation
Olisei's secular name, Grechin, is known from historical chronicles. It is believed that he was a priest, and he is often identified as the abbot of the Yuriev Monastery and a candidate for the Novgorod episcopacy in 1193, who was also known as Grechin. Speculation exists that Olisei Grechin may have left his autograph in the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.