> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://theparnassian.com/en/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Vasnetsov's triptych “Apocalypse” for Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/on-byl-oblechen-v-odezhdu-obagrennuiu-kroviu/
- Published: 2023-12-30T07:28:05.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T18:35:39.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: Faith, Art, Moscow, Museums, Observations

"He was clothed in a robe dipped in blood.  
His name is called "The Word of God".  
And the armies of heaven followed Him on white horses,  
clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  
Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, with which to strike the nations.  
He will rule them with a rod of iron;  
He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God Almighty.  
On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:  
"King of kings and Lord of lords"" (Revelation 19:11-16).

The triptych *Apocalypse* was meant to form part of the painted ceiling of the central nave of St Vladimir's Cathedral in Kyiv, to whose decoration Vasnetsov was invited to contribute in 1885.

The painting was supposed to be finished in time for the celebration of the Millennium of the Baptism of Rus' in July 1888\. But time made its own corrections, and the work dragged on for eleven years.

The triptych *Apocalypse* is based on the Revelation of John the Theologian, which prepares us for the events of the end of the world. In the upper part of the triptych is an angel standing in the sun and calling the birds to the supper of God. The central part, *The Militant Christ*, captures the image of the Word of God. In the lower part of the triptych is the Whore of Babylon beside the beast.

The work is displayed in the Vasnetsov House Museum in Moscow, which, in my view, is one of the finest personal museums in the city, if not in the world.

![](https://theparnassian.com/content/images/2026/09/photo_10817@30-12-2023_10-28-05.jpg)

![](https://theparnassian.com/content/images/2026/09/photo_10818@30-12-2023_10-28-05.jpg)

![](https://theparnassian.com/content/images/2026/09/photo_10819@30-12-2023_10-28-05.jpg)