The Representation of the Cherub in the Narthex of the Decani Monastery Above the Portal Leading to the Nave. Contribution to the Research of the Iconography and Meaning of the Cherub in Serbian Medieval Art

Abstract

The subject of this paper is a representation of a cherub handing scrolls to Serbian kings Stefan of Decani and Stefan Du an, in the narthex of the Decani, above the portal leading to the nave (fig. 2, 3, 4). This composition as a whole has attracted attention of numerous scholars. Although there are many interpretations of the composition, the reasons for using this specific iconographic solution of the cherub in the centre of the scene have not been considered previously. This cherub stands out for its representative and rather unusual iconographic solution. This paper will deal with the iconography of the aforementioned cherub, the reasons for choosing such an iconographic solution and, accordingly, with the role of this heavenly being in the scene and its symbolism. In this way, the representation of the cherub will, on a symbolic level; be related to the painted program above the portal leading to the nave.