Cathedral of the Assumption. Racah of Metropolitan Jonah. 1877

Vasily Polenov captured this interior of the Cathedral of the Assumption with oil on canvas. The painting centers on the Racah of Metropolitan Jonah, rendered with striking contrasts of light and shadow that give it an almost ethereal presence. Polenov masterfully employs the interplay between the golden ornamentation of the Racah and the somber tones of the cathedral's interior. This juxtaposition underscores the sacred nature of the space. Light filters in from the windows, creating highlights that not only draw the eye but also suggest a divine illumination. The artist’s brushstrokes are loose and expressive, contributing to a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The composition invites us to contemplate the relationship between the material and the spiritual. The Racah, a symbol of religious devotion, is bathed in a light that sets it apart from the darker surroundings, prompting reflections on faith, history, and the enduring power of art. This contrast serves to destabilize the perceived boundaries between the earthly and the divine.