Russia and Italy exchange religious art

Moscow (ENInews)–The Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches are sometimes at odds on issues ranging from church leadership to theology, but an exchange between Moscow and Florence shows that they have common ground in art. The exhibits, called “In Christ,” are on display at Moscow’s State Tretyakov Gallery and at Florence’s Baptistery, the historic octagonal building next to the Duomo cathedral, constructed to host baptisms. Two masterpieces by the early Renaissance artist Giotto, the Madonna and Child and ten-panel St. Reparata Polyptych, which have never been to Russia before, came to Moscow. In turn, three icons from the Tretyakov, including one connected to Andrei Rublev, Russia’s most famous iconographer, went to Italy. [359 words, ENI-12-0051]

Read more here: http://www.tretyakovgallery.ru/en/calendar/root5601724/root56017243087/