An exhibition at the Art Museum in the town of New Jerusalem, west of Moscow, showcases lacquer paintings from renowned icon painting villages such as Palech, Mstjora, Cholui, and Fedoskino, running until March 24th. Among the exhibited works is a striking new icon of the Last Judgement created by painter and restorer Andrej Gratschow from Mstjora, titled 'God is our only Judge.' This artwork blends elements of traditional Orthodox iconography with bold portraits, representing the serious theme of sacrifice and martyrdom.

Gratschow described his creation as an effort to unite all patriotic forces of Russia in the face of a common adversary. His artistic interpretation likely draws inspiration from President Putin's 2018 statement at the Valdai Forum, where he highlighted the Russian nuclear doctrine's principle of self-defense against external threats. The iconography not only places soldiers in the role of martyrs but also reflects the broader nationalistic narrative that perceives the West as an ideological opponent.

The exhibition and the icon itself are reflective of the current socio-political climate in Russia, where art becomes a medium for expressing patriotism and justifying military actions. Through this portrayal of soldiers, the exhibition aims to forge a collective memory linking the past and present, reaffirming the state's narrative of resilience against Western influences. This framing has implications for how art and culture can be instrumentalized in political discourse, particularly in the context of contemporary geopolitical tensions.