Editors

Dmitri N. Shalin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

First page number:

1

Last page number:

6

Abstract

The Russian visual sensibilities (if there is such thing) are formed by two contrasting influences. On the one hand, there is a natural attraction to decorative surfaces, to richness of colors and shapes. Historians tell us that in the 10 th century Prince Vladimir decided to convert to Christianity mainly because of the visual experience his emissaries had had in Constantinople: “The Greeks led us to the building where they worship their God,” they wrote to the Prince, “and we knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty, and we are at a loss to describe it.”

Keywords

Architectural criticism; Architecture; Architecture – Aesthetics; Russia (Federation); Soviet Union

Disciplines

Architectural History and Criticism | Architecture | History | Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures | Slavic Languages and Societies

Language

English


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