St Nestor the Chronicler [Vasnetsov]

St. Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves (1050-1114) can be considered the father of the history of Russia. In about 1080, he wrote the “Account about the Life and Martyrdom of the Blessed Passion Bearers Boris and Gleb” in connection with the transfer of the their relics to Vyshgorod. He also compiled the Life of the Monk Theodosius of the Kiev Caves. His chief work, however, was "The Russian Primary Chronicle" (1112-1113), of which the first line is: “Here is the account of years past, how the Russian land came to be, who was the first prince at Kiev and how the Russian land is arrayed.” The Venerable Nestor had access to extraordinarily diverse sources: prior Russian chronicles and sayings, monastery records, the Byzantine Chronicles of John Malalos and George Amartolos, various historical collections, the accounts of the boyar-Elder Ivan Vyshatich and of tradesmen and soldiers, and of journeymen and travelers.

This is a copy of a magnificent 10 foot fresco by the artist Victor Vasnetsov (1848-1926) that adorns St. Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev. The cathedral was built in the late 19th century to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the Baptism into Christianity of Rus. Unframed. Painted on thick artist's board. About 5" x 8½". 1 only.