Angel of the Firebird

Serie: Large Format Artworks

Technique: Latex on canvas

Size: 160 x 186 cm

Year: 2007

In Russian folklore, the Firebird (жар-птица, zhar-ptitsa), is a glowing magical bird from a distant land, which is both a blessing and a condemnation for its captor.

The firebird is invariably described as a great bird of majestic plumage that glows brightly with red, amber and yellow light, like a bonfire that is only the past of a turbulent flame.

Feathers do not stop glowing if removed, and a feather can illuminate a large room if it is not covered.

In later iconography, the firebird's shape is generally in the shape of a small fire-colored peacock, with a crest on its head and tail feathers with bright "eyes".

The concept of the firebird has parallels in the Iranian legends of magical birds, in the Brothers Grimm's fairy tale of "The Golden Bird", and Russian magical birds like Sirin.

The history of the search itself closely parallels that of the Armenian Hazaran Blbul.

However, in the Armenian tale, the bird does not shine brightly but makes the earth flourish with its song.

It is also found as a sacred spirit for many Native American tribes.

The firebird is a fundamental element in aboriginal mythology, since the thunder, the most important aerial spirit, depends on it as the voice of the Great Spirit that speaks from the clouds.

Thunder can come from the firebird's eyes or from its beak.

By attracting spectacular storms across the grasslands of many tribes' lands, the firebird fulfills its commitment to irrigate vegetation and prevent drought.

It is related to the Phoenix Bird.

In this composition the Fire Bird and an Angel are united that, suspended in a sky dotted by the red and amber flames of its feathers, drops flowers towards the earth, as an offering of nature to humanity.