Volodymyr the Great and Anna Porphyrogenita as “New Constantine and Helena” in the Fresco Paintings of St. Sophia of Kyiv

A new analysis of the fresco paintings in St. Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reveals that Prince Volodymyr the Great and his consort Anna Porphyrogenita were symbolically linked to Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother Helena, reflecting their roles as Christian baptizers and founders of a new Christian capital. This study identifies Anna's image within the cathedral's iconography, emphasizing the pairing of Volodymyr and Anna with the Byzantine saints. The frescoes demonstrate an organic synthesis of universal and national symbolism, likely created during Volodymyr's reign, and suggest active preparation for their canonization. The research leverages scholarly authorities' accepted identifications to trace this consistent church and political concept.

Nikitenko, N. (2020). Volodymyr the Great and Anna Porphyrogenita as “New Constantine and Helena” in the Fresco Paintings of St. Sophia of Kyiv. NaUKMA Research Papers. History and Theory of Culture, 3(0), 36–42. https://doi.org/10.18523/2617-8907.2020.3.36-42