Ancient Novgorod Art History Book – 1983 Soviet Study of Medieval Russian Architecture & Icons

Discover one of the finest Soviet-era academic works devoted to the medieval city of Novgorod, one of the most influential cultural and political centers of Ancient Rus. "Древний Новгород" (Ancient Novgorod) was published in Moscow in 1983 by the prestigious Iskusstvo (Art) publishing house and commemorates the renowned scholar of Novgorod antiquities, Nikolai Porfiridov.

This richly illustrated hardcover brings together leading Soviet historians, archaeologists, and art historians in a comprehensive study of Novgorod's history, architecture, archaeology, icon painting, and medieval artistic traditions from the 10th to the 15th centuries.

An Essential Reference on Medieval Novgorod

The collection explores the cultural achievements of the Novgorod Republic through scholarly essays covering:

• The history of medieval Novgorod
• Archaeological discoveries
• Ancient Russian architecture
• Orthodox icon painting
• Monumental frescoes
• Decorative and applied arts
• Medieval manuscript ornamentation
• Bone carving and traditional craftsmanship
• Material culture of Ancient Rus

Among its notable contributions is archaeologist Valentin L. Yanin's study of the discovery of a 12th-century artist's workshop, offering rare insight into medieval artistic production.

Richly Illustrated Throughout

The volume is generously illustrated with black-and-white photographs and full-color plates featuring:

• Medieval Russian Orthodox icons
• Church frescoes
• Ancient Novgorod architecture
• Archaeological excavations
• Stone carvings and decorative details
• Bone carvings and carved ornaments
• Medieval manuscript decorations
• Historic crosses and religious artifacts

These illustrations make the book valuable both as a scholarly reference and as a visual survey of medieval Russian art.

Book Details

• Title: Древний Новгород (Ancient Novgorod)
• Subtitle: History, Art, Archaeology
• Compiled by: S. Yamshchikov
• Contributors: V. L. Yanin, G. N. Bocharov, N. K. Goleizovsky, and other leading Soviet scholars
• Publisher: Iskusstvo (Art)
• Place of Publication: Moscow, USSR
• Year: 1983
• Language: Russian
• Pages: 354
• Binding: Original brown cloth hardcover with embossed lettering and red decorative emblem

Condition

Very good vintage condition. The original cloth hardcover remains clean and structurally sound with a firm binding and strong hinges. Interior pages and glossy illustration sections are complete, clean, and free from writing, highlighting, stamps, or library markings. Light natural age toning is consistent with the book's age. Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.

Perfect For

• Medieval Russian history collectors
• Byzantine and Orthodox art enthusiasts
• Russian icon collectors
• Archaeology and architectural history libraries
• Soviet academic book collections
• Art historians and researchers
• Slavic studies collections
• Museum and university libraries
• Collectors of illustrated Soviet books
• Russian cultural heritage enthusiasts