Subject center-stamps on Ukrainian bindings of the 16th-18th centuries: issues of iconographic study

The article deals with the history of study of subject center-stamps on Ukrainian leather bindings of the second half of the 16th-18th centuries in Ukraine. On the basis of a collection of subject center-stamp impressions gathered by the author, their analysis is done by types, changes of separate forms, time of appearance and the nature of plot compositions placement on the center-stamps. The author lists a number of main subjects, which most often appear on Ukrainian medieval book bindings, time of their appearance and existence of certain subjects in certain regions of Ukraine. Attempt is made to systematize them (by main kinds, types and variants). The problems faced by researchers while describing, attributing and iconographically studying subject centerstamps on medieval bookbindings are covered. Crucial points to be considered while defining main types, variants or groups of a separate subject while conducting its iconographic systematization are specified. Further prospects of subject center-stamps study in Ukraine are outlined.