The Art of the Icon

Salus Populi Romani
Protectoress of the Roman People

Perhaps strange to some in the language of the aesthetically pleasing, Eastern religious Icons have a deep history and are developed through a mystical process.  As an artist I am fascinated by the unusual method of achieving a religious experience through the painting of the icon.

A dagger to the heart of self expression, Icon artists follow strict guidelines not allowing for improvisations.  In continuing this ancient tradition they seemingly go against practices common in Western culture such as taking credit for work done.  The Icon artist is first and foremost a believer in Christ and therefore places the focus of the work solely on the image.  Forget what you have learned of perspective, proportion, and lighting as well.  The holy image itself is dominant, as well as features such as eyes (inverted/psychological perspective).  An inner light source emanates from the figure, which is two-dimensional and simplistic. Every brush stroke is purposeful and prayerful.

Icon painting (writing) is not meant to be realistic in style.  The importance is on capturing the virtue of a holy image that moves the senses and the emotions, creating a religious experience for the viewer venerating it.  A window to heaven and theology in imagery!

An artist takes on a great task when reproducing the works of the masters.  Immense pressure is on the artist to reproduce an exact likeness in the style of the master.  The artist of the Icon may also find the original iconographers hard to live up to, as St. Luke is traditionally believed to have painted the first Icon of Christ and His mother.   

The iconographer must prepare himself to take on this enormous task of constructing a holy image that will assist the faithful in prayer and worship.  It is not just a matter of grabbing paint and a blank canvas when inspiration hits.  Rather, the iconographer prepares himself through prayer and fasting!  As he begins his work the iconographer recites this prayer:  
O Divine Master of all that exists, enlighten and direct the soul, the heart and the mind of your servant: guide my hands so that I might portray worthily and perfectly Your Image, that of Your Holy Mother and of all the Saints, for the glory, the joy, and the beautification of Your Holy Church. ( Quenot, p.13)

Icons also had their own period of turbulence throughout history.  There were two Iconoclastic Periods in which Icons were banned, destroyed, and martyrs died in the Byzantine Empire preserving the holy images.  Greek Father St. John Damascene defended the theological arguments of the Icons that were upheld at the Second Council of Nicea in 787.  This confirmed a differentiation between worship and veneration.  Damascene stated "I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake."  I think that pretty much says it all.    

The art of the Icon is holy silence.  Quieting the heart and moving the soul.