Hello From Moscow

We Begin

Since we have internet, I will put up a post. I have no idea what will be available after the big city.

Moscow seems to be much more prosperous now than the last time we were here about thirteen years ago. Much construction has been and is being done. Things are not so shabby as they were shortly after communist days. Conspicuous consumerism is much in evidence.

The food deserves mention. It is marvelous: fresh, real, made on the spot, and very tasty. 

This is perch ravioli with tomatoes and cream sauce. Wonderful. 

We spent today around the Kremlin (a word that simply means fortress, once log stockades, then masonry walls) and Red Square. The history, the delightful architecture, the colors, and the conspicuous national piety is impressive. The “Rus” as a people were Christianized in the 800’s. This monument at the huge  intersection of of the ring road around the Kremlin shows the history of that event, when the king and people were baptized en mass. The central figure is 17 meters tall, originally planned for 24 and a hill outside the city. We hear it is “ controversial and could jeopardize the cities Staus as a world heritage site” according to UNESCO- always a point in something’s favor, I would say. Some people font like anything overtly Christian or “nationalistic, both of which this is. Putin unveiled it in 2016.  The figure is  Vladimir the Great, holding a great sword and greater cross, in the very center of the historic center of the historic city. Great.

The art here is wonderful, both the Byzantine style icons, the medieval figures, and the nineteenth century realism, all mixed together in this bronze work. Behind the figure is a bronze relief mural.

Your assignment: identify in this work the different art styles mentioned.