With sorrow. February 24, 2022

 

 Cover for Mystical Images of War, 1914, a portfolio of 14 images 

Natalia Goncharova, Russian, 1881-1962.

MOMA, NY in 2021

 

 

Natalia Goncharova created 14 lithographs as a response to Russia’s entry into World War I. 

 

She used the mythical, folkloric, historical, and Orthodox Christian traditions of her civilization

 

to describe war between Russia and her enemies, conceived as the forces of darkness.  

 

Russia herself is shown to be under a supernatural protection which preserves the integrity of her state, the force of her faith; and sanctifies the sacrifice of her people.

 

Below 11 of the 14 images.

 

 

 

The White Eagle from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

St. George from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

 

Archangel Michael from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

Christian Host from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

The French Cock from The Mystical Image of War

 

 

 

 

The British Lion from the Mystical Image of War

 

 

 

 

Angels and Airplanes from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

The Doomed City from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

 

The Pale Horse from Mystical Images of War

 

The fourth of four horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelations chapter 6 of the Christian Bible) is Death (Thanatos).  His horse is a ‘pale’ horse.

 

 

 

A Common Grave from Mystical Images of War

 

 

 

Alexander Nevski from Mystical Images of War

 

Alexander Nevski, 1221-1263, is a military hero  and saint of early Medieval Russia (Rus).  He preserved the state against Swedish and German invaders; and  confirmed the supremacy of Russian Orthodoxy in Russia.