Church Goldsmithing as a Phenomenon of Ukrainian Culture of the 17th – 18th Centuries

The activities of such Kyiv goldsmiths as Ivan Ravych, V. Moshchenko, Matvii Narunovych, Fedir Levytskyi is described in the article in the culturological aspect. The elements of Ukrainian culture, which can be observed on the jewelry of church use of the 17th – 18th centuries are distinguished in the course of the work. The authoress has defined the style in which Kyiv masters of the studied period have worked. It is worth noting that the investigation of the culturological phenomenon is not possible without the artistic aspect, since art is a part of culture, so a review of church jewelry also from an artistic point of view, however, with the selection of features of Ukrainian culture is used in the study. The vestments for the icon of the Dehtiarivska Mother of God, vestments of 1738, made by V. Moshchenko, chalice and trays for candlesticks by Matvii Narunovych are also considered in the study in detail. It is proposed to research carefully the work of Ivan Ravych, Matvii Narunovych and Fedir Levytskyi in the future. The most important features of Ukrainian culture of the 17th – 18th centuries, manifested in jewelry, are distinguished in the studies. The technical methods used by Ukrainian goldsmiths at that time are indicated. The purpose of the article consists not only in the description of Ukrainian culture in the light of precious church utensils, but also in the distinguishing its elements specifically on church jewelry in order to demonstrate that church goldsmithing is the Ukrainian cultural phenomenon. However, it is worth remembering that the topic needs further detailed research. Only a small part of the signs of Ukrainian culture is indicated in the work because of the lack of a full-fledged source base of the investigation. The authoress is leaving further disclosure of the topic to future scientists. The work will be useful for researchers, postgraduate students, as well as for those who are simply interested in the jewelry business of Ukraine. The information provided in the article can be used in future research on church jewelry and jewelry in general.