Tag Archives: Stylism

Why does John the Baptist have wings in Orthodox icons?

Posted on August 29, 2013 by

August 29th is the day that commemorates the Beheading of John the Baptist. Why is this Saint, almost uniquely, shown in many icons with wings?

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

The Holy Spirit as a dove in iconography

Posted on June 30, 2013 by

A previous post on the Throne of Preparation showed the widespread (in time and location) practice of depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove. The Holy Spirit did descend “as a dove” at the Baptism of Christ, and so naturally … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, History, Iconography | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Why do the Saints never smile in icons?

Posted on June 15, 2013 by

There are over 400 occurrences of the word “joy” in the Bible, most of them referring to what awaits those who become close to God. So why do icons – portraits of people who have been received by Christ into … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography, The Saints | Tagged , , , , , | 16 Comments

An Icon of an Icon of Repentance | The Prodigal Son

Posted on February 12, 2012 by

The third Sunday before the start of Great Lent is dedicated to the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable is celebrated in the pre-fasting period because it is considered in Orthodoxy as a perfect reflection, or icon, of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Didactic Icons, Iconography, Icons of Christ | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Tree of the Virgin | Russia’s Best Loved Icons of Mary

Posted on December 25, 2011 by

The day after a major feast is often dedicated to a person who plays a central role in the preceding day’s narrative. For example, the day after the Theophany, Christ’s baptism, is dedicated to John the Baptist; whilst the day … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, Icons of the Incarnation, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Touch Me Not | From West to East

Posted on October 23, 2011 by

The Icon “Touch Me Not” (in Greek: Μη μου άπτου, Mi mou áptou), shows the appearance of the Resurrected Christ to Mary Magdalene as described in the Gospel of John: “Jesus said unto her, Touch me not; for I am … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, Icons of the Incarnation, Resurrection Icons | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The 100% Non-Definitive Guide to Colour in Icons

Posted on June 22, 2011 by

Vincent van Gogh said of the Mediterranean: “[It] has the colour of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet, you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing reflection has … Continue reading →

Posted in Iconography | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

What does this hand gesture mean in Icons?

Posted on May 26, 2011 by

This is an extract from a longer post about the Icon of Christ, but deserves a separate entry. It explains the meaning behind the way Christ and the Saints are sometimes shown holding their right hand in icons, as shown … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologia, Iconography, Icons of Christ, The Saints | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

The meaning of objects held by Saints in Icons

Posted on May 15, 2011 by

Iconography can be an extremely concise way of communicating the Faith. Therefore, what the Saints hold in their hands in portrait icons help in identifying them and in telling us about their lives. I hope to show that what is … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Iconography, The Saints, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

Surety of Sinners Icon

Posted on March 19, 2011 by

The Surety of Sinners (Споручница грешных) Icon of the Theotokos is a Russian image which was revealed as wonder-working during the middle of the 19th century. It gets it name from the inscription found on the icon: “I am the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Icons of Christ, The Theotokos | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments