The “Trinity” of Andrei Rublev

The icon was painted by St Andrei Rublev for the Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery “in praise” of St Sergius; its date (1411 or 1425–1427) is debated by scholars. It was uncovered from later overpainting in 1904–1905 and 1918–1919. From 1929 it was kept in the Tretyakov Gallery; in 2023–2024 it was handed to the Church and placed in the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra.

The three angels are the appearance of the Trinity to Abraham (Genesis 18). Rublev removes everyday details, leaving the cup with the calf's head — an image of Christ's sacrifice. The unity of the three figures within a circle expresses the consubstantiality and love of the Persons of the Trinity. The Stoglav Council of 1551 directed that the Trinity be painted “as Andrei Rublev painted it”.

The central angel is most often interpreted as the Son (tunic with a clavus), the left as the Father, the right as the Spirit; other interpretations exist. The angels incline their heads to one another in silent converse.