SKORBOTNYTSIA (2025) Original Acrylic Painting by Yuliia Naumenko

Skorbotnytsia is the third guardian in my TINI RODU series, rooted in the deep traditions of the Ukrainian motanka doll. Standing in quiet strength with her head gently bowed, she is a keeper of memory and a healer of the heart, carrying sorrow not as a weight, but as a thread that binds the living to the loved.

The Symbolism

The Motanka & Face Threads: The cross across her face—a hallmark of this series—serves as a sacred protective symbol to shield against evil and connect the spiritual and earthly realms. Here, the black thread speaks of mourning and finality, while the deep wine thread signifies love that endures beyond loss.
Dark Kerchief: Represents protection, silence, and the dignity of grief.

Beads: The smallest crescent and strands of red symbolize endurance and the pulse of life.
Background Embroidery: The geometric rhombuses and crosses act as stitched prayers for the soul’s journey and protection through time.

Sacred Plants:

Thyme (Chebrets): Purification, renewal, and the strength to let sorrow pass.
Periwinkle (Barvinok): Eternity and the immortal thread of remembrance.
Heather (Veres): Quiet endurance and healing of the heart through gentle memory.

Materials used:

acrylic on canvas, ink pen

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 60 x 80 x 2cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the back
• Style: Photorealistic
• Subject: People and portraits