The Meaning of Icons
With Sister Abraham (Dr. Kirsten Stoffregen Pederson) - March 1, 2006
Originally from Copenhagen, Sister Abraham earned degrees in Biblical and Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew University. She is a nun in the Ethiopian Catholic Church. She has been "writing" icons since 1973 and is the author of many articles and books.
What is an icon? An icon is an image found mainly in eastern Christian traditions. An icon teaches a theological doctrine. Secondary to the teaching of a doctrine is its value as a work of art. The western churches tend to make use of religious paintings that often demonstrate the artistic skill and ingenuity of the artist including the interpretation or expression of the artist.
When producing an icon, the concern of the artist is generally pushed aside. Hence, iconographers speak of "writing" an icon or copying an icon as opposed to "painting" an icon.
An icon should be easily understood by the viewer or it is of little value as a teaching tool of the church. Western Church art, such as that produced in late middle ages and renaissance period require effort on the part of the onlooker to understand the interpretation expressed by the artist.
Exodus 20:4 issues a prohibition of pictures for the Jewish people therefore their worship does not include images. Even so, pictures can be found in 4th century Jewish prayer books. These are depictions of episodes from the Hebrew scriptures. Islam officially does not emply pictures, yet some can be found with faces that are covered with a veil do to the prohibition to depict the human form and that of animals in any manner.
Christianity on the other hand makes generous use of pictures, artwork and icons. Pagans were at one time accused of worshipping wood and stones, but the modern age has demonstrated that such interpretation of the "enjoyment" of this spiritual tool was misguided. Much deep meaning lies behind the use of stone and wood and other objects in the portrayal of religious doctrine. Christianity understands the incarnation of God in Jesus, therefore this gives Christianity permission and even encouragement to portray God, as well as the Virgin Mary, saints, prophets, angels, and other characters. Since an icon is a teaching picture, it teaches something about the faith. It reminds us of aspects about God, Jesus Christ and other important figures of Christian faith. Icons tend to speak to our intellect and understanding, whereas religious paintings and artwork speak to our feelings.
Some of the most visible icons are made of gold, but an icon is not necessarily only a golden picture. Icons can be of paint, enamel, gold, carvings (but NOT statues which are forbidden in the eastern churches), reliefs, weaving, embroidery, glass, and even mosaic (small stones). The most classic of icons are painted on wood because wood is relatively light and durable and strong.
The oldest icon of Jesus Christ dates back to the 6th century and is located at St. Catherines Monastery in the Sinai peninsula.
Today, most iconographers still employ the traditional medium of paint on wood. As unglamourous as it sounds, plywood today is popular because it is readily available and affordable.
Just a few rules of iconography are these: an image with a hand uplifted indicates that the character is speaking. An arm around another suggests intimate knowledge. Jesus Christ is the only image that appears with a cross in His halo with letters that proclaim "the one who exists" as an affirmation of the divinity of Christ. Finally, a scroll in Jesus’ hand symbolizes the Gospel He brings.
Originally from Copenhagen, Sister Abraham earned degrees in Biblical and Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew University. She is a nun in the Ethiopian Catholic Church. She has been "writing" icons since 1973 and is the author of many articles and books.
What is an icon? An icon is an image found mainly in eastern Christian traditions. An icon teaches a theological doctrine. Secondary to the teaching of a doctrine is its value as a work of art. The western churches tend to make use of religious paintings that often demonstrate the artistic skill and ingenuity of the artist including the interpretation or expression of the artist.
When producing an icon, the concern of the artist is generally pushed aside. Hence, iconographers speak of "writing" an icon or copying an icon as opposed to "painting" an icon.
An icon should be easily understood by the viewer or it is of little value as a teaching tool of the church. Western Church art, such as that produced in late middle ages and renaissance period require effort on the part of the onlooker to understand the interpretation expressed by the artist.
Exodus 20:4 issues a prohibition of pictures for the Jewish people therefore their worship does not include images. Even so, pictures can be found in 4th century Jewish prayer books. These are depictions of episodes from the Hebrew scriptures. Islam officially does not emply pictures, yet some can be found with faces that are covered with a veil do to the prohibition to depict the human form and that of animals in any manner.
Christianity on the other hand makes generous use of pictures, artwork and icons. Pagans were at one time accused of worshipping wood and stones, but the modern age has demonstrated that such interpretation of the "enjoyment" of this spiritual tool was misguided. Much deep meaning lies behind the use of stone and wood and other objects in the portrayal of religious doctrine. Christianity understands the incarnation of God in Jesus, therefore this gives Christianity permission and even encouragement to portray God, as well as the Virgin Mary, saints, prophets, angels, and other characters. Since an icon is a teaching picture, it teaches something about the faith. It reminds us of aspects about God, Jesus Christ and other important figures of Christian faith. Icons tend to speak to our intellect and understanding, whereas religious paintings and artwork speak to our feelings.
Some of the most visible icons are made of gold, but an icon is not necessarily only a golden picture. Icons can be of paint, enamel, gold, carvings (but NOT statues which are forbidden in the eastern churches), reliefs, weaving, embroidery, glass, and even mosaic (small stones). The most classic of icons are painted on wood because wood is relatively light and durable and strong.
The oldest icon of Jesus Christ dates back to the 6th century and is located at St. Catherines Monastery in the Sinai peninsula.
Today, most iconographers still employ the traditional medium of paint on wood. As unglamourous as it sounds, plywood today is popular because it is readily available and affordable.
Just a few rules of iconography are these: an image with a hand uplifted indicates that the character is speaking. An arm around another suggests intimate knowledge. Jesus Christ is the only image that appears with a cross in His halo with letters that proclaim "the one who exists" as an affirmation of the divinity of Christ. Finally, a scroll in Jesus’ hand symbolizes the Gospel He brings.
posted by Philip | 9:25 a.m.
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