Communicative Value of the Russian Orthodox Icon

The presence of icons is the most striking feature first noticed upon entering an Orthodox church. An icon being a combination of art and faith is unique. Early Russian Icon Painting had its own unforgettable artistic language reflecting its complexity, spiritual deepness, grace and fineness. This study aimed to comprehend the art of communication through the icon - a new approach to the understanding of art as a means of communication. A unique XVII-century Yaroslavl icon “Sergius of Radonezh” was chosen as an object for the investigation. Historical-typological and semiotic methods allowed to identify its communicative value.