Maszynowa produkcja ikon w Imperium Rosyjskim w 2. połowie XIX i na początku XX wieku. Wstępne rozpoznania i spostrzeżenia
Machine Production of Icons in the Russian Empire in the Second Half of the 19th and the Early 20th Century. Preliminary Analyses and Observations

Summary/Abstract: In the late 19th and the early 20th century, Russia witnessed an increase in the production of religious prints and icons made by means of printing techniques. This was a result of the growing demand for “sacred images” and the spread of colour lithography in the Russian Empire. From the 1850s onwards, the production of such images was controlled by the Spiritual Censorship Committee. In- formation about the censorship procedure was usually placed on the product, together with the manufacturer’s signature. A number of works of this kind held in museum, library and church collections in the area close to us territorially were located and categorised in terms of production techniques, makers and places of production. This made it possible to identify the leading producers, techniques and trends shaping the market for “printed icons”. A review of catalogues, price lists and advertisements placed in periodicals of the period resulted in the conclusion that this type of production became a significant tool of political power for both the Orthodox Church and the state, giving them control over art addressed to the masses.

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