VISION SPOTLIGHT The sacred art form of iconography brings spiritual depth to those who use icons in prayer and those who create them using ancient and established techniques.
Icons: An age-old entrée into the divine
F
OR CENTURIES, the art of iconography has had a rich tradition in the Catholic Church, serving as a powerful way for the faithful to connect with the divine. The late priest and author Henri Nouwen wrote, “An icon is like a window looking out upon eternity.” The unusual proportions of the figures and strange pictorial perspectives, alone, appear otherworldly and are ripe with religious symbolism. These striking artworks are also visual reminders of the life of Jesus and his teachings that can help us connect more intimately with God through prayer and contemplation. Sacred imagery holds a central place in our faith, offering a doorway to the stories of the Bible and beyond. While we might admire the beauty of an aesthetically pleasing sculpture, the tradition of iconography calls for more active participation from the people who create icons and those who pray with them, drawing individuals into a profound encounter that transcends aesthetics. The icon’s role as a sacred art form invites us to explore the images through the lens of holy and theological understanding.
Layers of meaning
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THE ICON MUSEUM AND STUDY CENTER
By Alison Nastasi, an arts and culture journalist, author, and artist living in Los Angeles.
Everything from color and composition to value and linework becomes a beacon to unraveling the mysteries of the icon and, in turn, our faith. Each stage of the painting and the materials used are all imbued with divine symbolism. In some forms of iconography, for example, iconographers use their breath to moisten the red clay on their board to apply thin sheets of gold leaf. The process calls to mind how God created Adam from the dust of the Earth and breathed life into him. Using gold symbolizes the brilliance of God’s divine glory and heavenly Kingdom. Other symbolism, such as crosses, scrolls, and stars, are keys to deciphering the identity of each figure and scene. Martyrs, for instance, are often depicted
A RUSSIAN ICON of Saint John the Baptist from the late 1400s.