Bibliya Vasilya Koranya

The Bible of Vasil Koren as a Cultural Monument of the Belarusian and Russian Peoples explores the historical, artistic, and cultural significance of the illustrated Bible created by the seventeenth-century wood engraver Vasily Koren. Born in Dubrovno, in present-day Belarus, Koren became an important figure in the development of popular religious printmaking in Russia. His remarkable work, produced between 1692 and 1696, represents a significant meeting point between Belarusian cultural heritage and Russian popular art.

Koren’s Bible is an extraordinary example of early illustrated religious publishing. Comprising 36 engraved sheets, hand-coloured in the tradition of popular prints, it depicts episodes from the Book of Genesis and the Book of Revelation. Its vivid imagery presents the Creation, the stories of Adam and Eve, and the dramatic visions of the Apocalypse, communicating biblical narratives through accessible visual storytelling. Combining religious symbolism with decorative ornament and distinctive folk-art aesthetics, the work occupies an important place in the history of Slavic graphic art.

This publication examines Koren’s legacy as a cultural figure whose work transcends modern national boundaries. It highlights the significance of his artistic achievement for both Belarusian and Russian heritage, exploring the relationship between religious tradition, popular culture, and the development of printmaking. The book also reflects renewed interest in Koren’s work in Belarus, where exhibitions and commemorative initiatives have helped introduce his legacy to new audiences.

Published in Minsk in 2020, the volume accompanies the wider effort to recognise and preserve Koren’s contribution to the shared cultural history of Belarus and Russia. It will interest readers of religious art, book history, Slavic cultural heritage, and early printmaking.