Flame-looking angels on the doors of the Suzdal Cathedral in the context of Byzantine-Russian traditions

The article presents the comparative analysis of the images on the doors of Western and Southern portals of the Nativity of the Theotokos Cathedral in Suzdal dated to the late 1220s – early 1230s, richly decorated with application of fire gilding techniques. The analogies of Byzantine-Slavic origins are discussed. The use of the fire gilding technique for the decoration of the Suzdal Cathedral doors in order to create the images marked by shining gold corresponds to the most worshipped characters, in particular, those of angels and their miracles on the southern doors. The shining radiance (mandorla) embracing the whole figure of Archangel Michael on Suzdal doors looks brighter than similar object in the Transfiguration composition also shown on the doors. The latter reflects the idea of mystical light of Mt. Thabor. This evidence demonstrates an outstanding importance of worshiping angels associated with military valour and power of feudal rulers for those who ordered to decorate the doors and who created this outstanding masterpiece of applied art.