THE CATHEDRAL IN THE 17TH CENTURY

In 1652, under the directions of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the restoration of the cathedral murals, falling into decay, started. However, the activities, though just started, ceased for an indeterminable period of time. Protracted wars with Poland and Sweden had emptied the state treasury, and plague in Moscow and throughout the country had taken away many craftsmen. Tsar's letters inviting icon masters to Moscow were forwarded to the Russian cities. The work went with big interruptions till 1666. On the final stage, the artel of masters was headed by the royal granted isographer Simon Ushakov. The new wall painting maintained the ancient one. Frescoes of the southern and northern walls are dedicated to the Archangel Michael and narrate about the deeds of the Archistratigus on Earth. A part of the vaults and the northern wall contain compositions illustrating "The Symbol of Faith".