Lytvynenko Y. Interiors of the Near and Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as objects of cultural heritage of Ukraine

The thesis is devoted to the problem of researching the interiors of the KievPechersk Lavra’s the Near and Far Caves as objects of the cultural heritage of Ukraine, as well as ensuring protection and preservation of these objects. History of creation of the wall painting in the underground corridors is investigated on the basis of the wide range of historical sources. It is proved that artists adhered to the general program of murals in the Caves, but approached its solution in different ways. General idea of the murals was a glorification of the Pechersky Saints. The history of copper iconostases in the underground churches is investigated. Development direction of the iconostases design and their iconography is determined. Old wooden iconostases were replaced on copper ones during period from 1802 to 1819, except St. Theodosius church’s iconostasis of the 1760's. It is noted that iconographic program of the iconostases was corresponded to the dedication of the Cave churches. The previous wooden iconostases had fewer rows of icons and less 20 number of icons. Iconographic program of the 19th c. iconostases became more detailed, especially due to unique topics connected with the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Different types of the burial structures that influenced changes in the underground interiors are identified. The graffiti inscriptions in the Varangian Cave, total number 155, are investigated. Based on the number of graffiti, the attendance of the caves at different periods is analyzed. Types of graffiti correlated with the communicative tasks of their authors are determined. The research results prove that most part of the Varangian Cave was created in the XV century.