The icon is a relief pictorial image of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God or Saints. It cannot be called a painting, since it does not reproduce what the artist has before his eyes, but a fantasy or prototype that must be taken into account.
The history of icon painting goes back to ancient times and originates in early Christianity in Rus'. This art is multifaceted and unique. And it is not surprising, since it fully reflects the glorious traditions and spirituality of the Russian people. This is both a cult object for the Orthodox and a cultural national treasure.
There is no strict chronology here, however, it is generally accepted that the first icons in Rus' began to be used in the 10th century, when Christianity was adopted. Icon painting remained the center of ancient Russian culture until the 17th century, when in the era of Peter the Great it began to be replaced by secular types visual arts. Although Christian churches were present in Kyiv before, only after 988 the first stone church was built. The painting work was carried out by specially invited masters from Byzantium. Sometimes the most important parts of her painting were carried out using the mosaic technique.
Prince Vladimir I from Chersonese brought many shrines and icons to Kyiv. Unfortunately, over the years they were lost. In addition, from Chernigov, Kyiv, Smolensk and others southern cities Not a single icon of that time has survived to this day. However, we can talk about icon painting, given the numerous wall paintings. The most ancient icons in Rus' were able to survive in Veliky Novgorod (in the territory St. Sophia Cathedral).
TO beginning of XII In the 1st century, the maximum flowering of Russian icon painting was observed at the artistic center of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. However, Batu’s invasion of Rus' had a negative impact on the further development of icon painting. The harmony characteristic of Byzantium disappeared from the icons, numerous writing techniques began to be simplified and conserved. But artistic life was not completely interrupted. Russian craftsmen continued to work in Rostov, the Russian North and Vologda. Rostov icons were characterized by significant expression, activity of images and sharpness of execution. This icon painting has always stood out for its artistry, subtlety, and refined combination of colors.
But from the end of the 14th century, the entire artistic life of Rus' was concentrated in Moscow. It was here that numerous craftsmen worked: Serbs, Russians, Greeks. Feofan the Greek himself worked in Moscow. The icons of that time were able to prepare a serious basis for the flourishing of Russian icon painting at the beginning of the 15th century, in particular the brilliant icons of Andrei Rublev. The masters paid increased attention to paints and color scheme. It is not surprising that ancient Russian icon painting is a complex and great art.
In the icons of those times, the most important place was occupied by various purple tones, shades of the sky, blue vault (they were used to depict a glow, a thunderstorm). Novgorod icon painting of the 15th century was able to preserve the usual love for light and bright colors. Intensive and evoking feeling colors were characteristic of the Pskov school. In comparison with the ringing color of Novgorod, famous tones dominate in it, with enormous moral tension in the faces of the saints. As for Rublev’s era, its main task was to revive faith in man, in his kindness and moral strength. Artists of that period by all possible ways they tried to convey that icon painting is an art where every detail has great meaning.
Today, Orthodox believers consider the following icons to be among the most significant:
1. "Vladimir Mother of God". When turning to this icon, believers pray for deliverance from the invasions of enemies, for strengthening faith, for preserving the integrity of the country and for the reconciliation of warring parties. The history of this icon has its own roots in the distant past. It is generally considered the greatest shrine Russian land, which testifies to the special protection of the Mother of God over Russian Empire in the XIV-XVI centuries during the raids of the Tatar hordes. There is a legend that this icon was created during the life of the Mother of God herself. Any day of the triple celebration of the icon Our Lady of Vladimir The modern Orthodox Church associates it with the deliverance of the people from enslavement through prayers that were addressed specifically to this icon.
2. "Savior Almighty". This icon is often called “Savior” or “Savior”. In the iconography of Christ, this is the central image representing Him as the Heavenly King. It is for this reason that it is customary to place it at the head of the iconostasis.
3. "Virgin Mary of Kazan". While turning to this icon, believers pray for healing of the disease of blindness and ask for deliverance from enemy invasions. The Kazan Mother of God is considered an intercessor in difficult times. It is used to bless young people who have decided to get married. The presented icon is also asked for happiness and family well-being. That is why it is often hung near the crib. Today, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God can be found in almost any church. The image of the Virgin Mary can also be found in most believing families. During the reign of the Romanov dynasty, such an icon was one of the most revered and important shrines, which allowed it to be considered the patroness of the royal family.
4. "Savior Not Made by Hands". In accordance with church tradition, the first icon was considered the image of the Savior. There is a legend that this happened during the earthly existence of the Savior. Prince Avgar, who was the ruler of the city of Edessa, was seriously ill. Having heard about the healings that Jesus Christ performed, he wanted to look at the Savior. He sent messengers for the painter to make a portrait of Christ. But the artist failed to fulfill the assignment, because the radiance coming from the face of the Lord was so strong that the creator’s brush could not convey His Light. However, the Lord wiped His pure face with a towel, after which His Image was displayed on it. Only after receiving the image was Abgar able to be healed of his own illness. Today, people turn to the image of the savior with prayers, as well as requests for guidance on the true path, for deliverance from bad thoughts and the salvation of the soul.
5. Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Nicholas the Wonderworker is known as the patron saint of all who are constantly on the move - pilots, fishermen, travelers and sailors, and is the most revered saint throughout the world. In addition, he is the intercessor of those who have been unjustly offended. He patronizes children, women, innocent prisoners and the poor. Icons with his image are the most common in modern Orthodox churches.
The history of the discovery of this icon goes back far into the past. It is believed that about four hundred years ago it was found on one of the bell towers of the Church of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian in the Vologda region. Then, a peasant who had long suffered from lameness saw a dream in which he had a long-awaited cure for his illness. A divine voice told him in a dream that if he prayed near the icon Holy Mother of God, then the disease will leave him, the location of this shrine was also revealed to him.
Twice the peasant came to the bell tower at the local church and told about his dream, but no one then believed his stories. Only the third time, after much persuasion, was the sufferer allowed into the belfry. Imagine the surprise of the local residents, the ministers of the Church, when on the stairs, instead of one of the steps, an icon was discovered, which everyone took for an ordinary perch. It looked like a canvas pasted onto an ordinary wooden board. They washed it from dust and dirt, restored it as much as possible, and then held a prayer service to the Seven Shore Mother of God. After this, the peasant was healed of a painful illness, and the icon began to be revered by the clergy along with the rest. Thus, in 1830, cholera was rampant in the Vologda province. which claimed the lives of many thousands of people. Believing local residents held procession around the settlement, together with the icon, performing a prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos. After some time, the number of cases began to decline, and then the scourge completely left this city forever.
After this incident, the icon commemorated many more truly miraculous healings. However, after the revolution of the seventeenth year, the Church of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian, where the icon was located, was destroyed, and the icon itself disappeared. Currently, the myrrh-streaming Icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God is located in Moscow at the Church of the Archangel Michael.
The image of the Mother of God itself is quite interesting. Usually on all icons She appears with the Savior in her arms, or with angels and saints, but here the Mother of God is depicted completely alone, with seven swords stuck into Her heart. This image symbolizes Her severe suffering, indescribable grief and deep sadness for her Son during her time on earth. And this icon was written based on the prophecy of the holy righteous Simeon, given in Scripture.
There is an opinion of some clergy that the seven arrows piercing the chest of the Virgin Mary personify the seven most important human passions, sinful vices. There is also an opinion that the seven arrows are the seven holy Sacraments.
It is customary to pray in front of this icon to appease evil hearts, in times of disease epidemics; they also pray for the military, paying their debt to the Motherland, so that the enemy’s weapon will bypass them. The person praying seems to forgive the insults of his enemies and asks for the softening of their hearts.
The day of veneration of the Icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God is considered to be August 13 according to the new style or August 26 according to the old style. During prayer, it is desirable that at least seven candles be lit, but this is not necessary. At the same time, the prayer of the Long-Suffering Mother of God and the Troparion are read.
At home, a specific location of the icon is not prescribed, so it can be located either on the iconostasis or in any other place, for example, on the wall at the entrance to the main room. However, there are several tips for its location: it should not hang or stand near the TV, there should not be any photographs or images or posters around it.
The seven-shot image is a reflection of the gospel narrative of the arrival of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple on the 40th day after His birth. The holy elder Simeon, who served in the temple, saw in the Baby the Messiah expected by all and predicted trials and suffering for Mary that would pierce her heart like a weapon.
The Seven Shot Icon depicts the Mother of God alone, without the Child Jesus. Seven swords or arrows piercing her heart (four swords on the left, three on the right) are a symbol of the sorrows that the Mother of God endured in her earthly life. The weapon itself, symbolically depicted with seven swords, means the unbearable mental anguish and sorrow that the Virgin Mary experienced during the hours of torment on the cross, crucifixion and death on the cross of Her son.
According to the Holy Scriptures, the number seven symbolizes the completeness of something: seven deadly sins, seven cardinal virtues, seven church sacraments. The image of seven swords is not accidental: the image of a sword is associated with the shedding of blood.
This icon of the Mother of God has another version of the iconography - “Simeon’s Prophecy” or “Tenderness of Evil Hearts”, where seven swords are located on both sides, three in number and one in the center.
The miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Seven Arrows is of North Russian origin, associated with her miraculous appearance. Until 1917, she stayed in the Church of St. John the Evangelist near Vologda.
There is a legend about her miraculous discovery. A certain peasant, who had been seriously suffering from an incurable lameness for many years and was praying for healing, received a Divine voice. He ordered him to find the image of the Mother of God among the old icons that were kept in the bell tower of the Theological Church and to pray to him for healing. The icon was found on the stairs of the bell tower, where it served as a step like a simple board covered with dirt and debris. The clergy cleaned the image and served a prayer service in front of it, and the peasant was healed.
Before the image of the Seven-Shot Mother of God, they pray for the pacification of those at war, for acquiring the gift of patience in the face of embitterment of the heart, in the face of enmity and persecution.
Mikhail is considered a very important person in celestial hierarchy, the word Archangel means “leader of the angels.” He is the main leader among the angels. The name Michael means "one who is like God."
Archangels have always been considered warriors and protectors of Heaven. Of course, the main patron and protector Christian faith Great Archangel Michael. It is worth noting that the Holy Archangel Michael is one of the most famous angels, he is also called the Archangel, which means that he is the most important of all ethereal forces.
According to the Holy Scriptures and tradition, he always stood up for humanity and will always continue to serve as one of the main defenders of the faith. In front of the icons with the Archangel Michael, people ask for protection from the invasion of enemies, civil war, and to defeat opponents on the battlefield.
The Council of Michael and all the ethereal powers of heaven is celebrated on November 21, and on September 19 the miracle of the Archangel in Colossae is celebrated. Mention of Michael can be first seen in Old Testament Although Michael is not mentioned by name in the text, it was said that Joshua “looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand.”
In the book of Daniel, Michael appears alongside the Archangel Gabriel to help defeat the Persians. In a later vision, she told Danil that “at that time (the end of time) Michael, the Great Prince, will protect the people. A difficult time will come, such as has not been seen since the beginning of time...” Thus, it can be understood that Michael plays a key role as the defender of Israel, her chosen people, and the Church.
The Church Fathers also attribute the following event to Michael: During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, he walked ahead of them, in the form of a pillar of cloud during the day, and at night in the form of a pillar of fire. The power of the great commander-in-chief was manifested in the destruction of 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib, also the wicked leader Heliodorus.
It is worth mentioning that there are many miraculous cases associated with Archangel Michael, the protection of three young men: Ananias, Azariah and Misail, who were thrown into a hot furnace for refusing to bow to the idol. By the will of God, the commander-in-chief Archangel Michael transports the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon to give food to Daniel in the lions' den. Archangel Michael argued with the devil over the body of the holy prophet Moses.
In New Testament times, Saint Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved young man, who was thrown into the sea by robbers with a stone around his neck, on the banks of Athos. This story is found in the Athos Patericon, from the life of St. Neophytos.
Perhaps the most famous miracle associated with the great Saint Michael the Archangel is the salvation of the church at Colosse. A number of pagans tried to destroy this church by directing the flow of two rivers directly towards it. The Archangel appeared among the waters, and, carrying the cross, directed the rivers underground, so that the church remained standing on the earth and was not destroyed thanks to Michael. In the spring, the water of these rivers after this miracle event is said to have healing powers.
Russian people revere Archangel Michael along with the Mother of God. The Most Pure Mother of God and Michael are always mentioned in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, churches are dedicated to the commander-in-chief of the heavenly forces, St. Archangel Michael. There was no city in Rus' where there was no church or chapel dedicated to Archangel Michael.
On icons, Michael is often depicted holding a sword in his hand, and in the other he holds a shield, spear, or white banner. Some icons of Archangel Michael (or Archangel Gabriel) show angels holding an orb in one hand and a staff in the other.
The most common and revered in Rus' orthodox icons- These are icons of the Mother of God. Tradition says that the first image of the Mother of God was created by the Evangelist Luke during the life of the Mother of God; she approved of the icon and imparted her strength and grace to it. In Russian Orthodox Church there are about 260 images of the Mother of God, glorified by miracles. One of these images is the icon of Kazan Mother of God.
According to iconography, this image belongs to one of the main six iconographic types, which is called “Hodegetria” or “Guide”. The Old Russian version of this icon, painted by an icon painter monk in the image of the Byzantine Hodegetria, is distinguished by its warmth, softening the regal bearing of the original from Byzantium. The Russian Hodegetria has not a waist-length, but a shoulder-length image of Mary and the Infant Jesus, thanks to which their faces seem to come close to those praying.
In Russia there were three main miraculous icons of the Kazan Mother of God. The first icon is a prototype miraculously revealed in 1579 in Kazan, which was kept in the Kazan Mother of God Monastery until 1904 and was lost. The second icon is a copy of the Kazan image and was presented to Ivan the Terrible. Later, this icon of the Mother of God was transported to St. Petersburg and transferred to the Kazan Cathedral during its illumination on September 15, 1811. The third icon of the Kazan Mother of God is a copy of the Kazan prototype, was transferred to the militia of Minin and Pozharsky and is now kept in Moscow in the Epiphany Cathedral.
In addition to these main icons of the Kazan Mother of God, it was made a large number of her miraculous lists. Prayer in front of this image helps in all human sorrows, sorrows and adversities. Russian people always prayed to her to protect their native land from foreign enemies. The presence of this icon in the house protects its household from all troubles; it indicates, like a Guide, the right path in accepting difficult decisions. In front of this image, the Mother of God is prayed for eye diseases. According to legend, during the miraculous discovery of the prototype in Kazan, a miracle of insight occurred from the blindness of the beggar Joseph, who had been blind for three years. This icon is used to bless the newlyweds for marriage so that it will be strong and long.
The celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God takes place twice a year: in honor of the acquisition of the image on July 21 and in honor of the liberation of Rus' from the Polish intervention on November 4.
The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, revered in Rus' as miraculous, is a copy of the oldest image, which is kept in the Iveron Monastery in Greece on Mount Athos and dates back to the 11-12th century. According to the iconographic type, she is Hodegetria. According to the legend, the icon of the Mother of God, saved from the iconoclasts during the reign of Emperor Theophilus (9th century), miraculously appeared to the Iberian monks. They placed her in the gate church and named her Portaitissa or Goalkeeper.
In this version of the Hodegetria, the face of the Virgin Mary is turned and inclined towards the Child Jesus, who is presented in a slight turn towards the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary has a bleeding wound on her chin, which, according to legend, was inflicted on the image by opponents of the icons.
The miraculous image was well known in Rus'. During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, the monks of the Iversky Monastery made a copy of the prototype and delivered it to Moscow on October 13, 1648. In the 17th century. The Iveron Mother of God was especially revered in Rus'.
The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos helps repentant sinners find the path and strength to repentance; relatives and friends pray for the unrepentant. The image protects the house from attacks by enemies and natural Disasters, from fire, heals from physical and mental ailments.
The celebration of the Iveron Icon is held on February 25 and October 26 (the arrival of the icon from Athos in 1648).
The icon of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary is dedicated to the great church holiday in Russian Orthodoxy - the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. In Rus', the word “pokrov” means veil and protection. On the day of celebration, October 14, Orthodox people pray to the Heavenly Intercessor for protection and help.
The Intercession Icon depicts the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God, which occurred in the 10th century in the Blachernae Church of Constantinople, besieged by enemies. During the all-night prayer, Blessed Andrei saw the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God surrounded by angels, apostles and prophets. The Mother of God took off the veil from her head and spread it over those praying.
Two centuries later, in the 14th century. in honor of this holy event in Rus' a divine service was compiled, main idea which was the unity of the Russian people under the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, for whom the Russian land is Her earthly inheritance.
There were two main types of icons of the Intercession: Central Russian and Novgorod. In Central Russian iconography, which corresponds to the vision of Blessed Andrew, the Mother of God herself bears the veil. On Novgorod icons The Mother of God appears in the image of Oranta, and the veil is held and extended over her by angels.
Prayer before the image of the Intercession of the Mother of God helps in everything, if the thoughts of the person praying are good and pure. The image helps to overcome our external and internal enemies; it is a spiritual shield not only over our heads, but also over our souls.
Among the numerous icons of saints in Orthodoxy, one of the most beloved and revered by believers is the image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. In Rus', after the Mother of God, this is the most revered saint. In almost every Russian city there is a St. Nicholas Church, and the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is in every Orthodox church in the same area as the images of the Mother of God.
In Rus', the veneration of the saint begins with the adoption of Christianity; he is the patron saint of the Russian people. Often in icon painting he was depicted from Christ according to left hand, and on the right is the Mother of God.
Saint Nicholas the Pleasant lived in the 4th century. WITH youth served God, later became a priest, and then archbishop of the Lycian city of Myra. During his lifetime, he was a great shepherd who gave consolation to all those who mourned and led the lost to the truth.
Prayer in front of the icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant protects from all misfortunes and helps in solving all sorts of problems. The image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker protects those traveling by land and sea, protects the innocently convicted, those who are threatened with a needless death.
Prayer to St. Nicholas heals from illnesses, helps in enlightening the mind, in the successful marriage of daughters, in ending civil strife in the family, between neighbors, and military conflicts. Saint Nicholas of Myra helps in the fulfillment of wishes: it is not for nothing that he was the prototype of Father Frost, who fulfills Christmas wishes.
The Day of Remembrance of St. Nicholas the Pleasant is celebrated three times a year: on May 22, spring St. Nicholas (the transfer of the saint’s relics to Bari in Italy to avoid their desecration by the Turks), on August 11 and December 19 – winter St. Nicholas.
"Russian icons in high resolution." Creation of the album: Andrey (zvjaginchev) and Konstantin (koschey).
An icon is a very important part of Christianity. Translated from Greek, this word means “image.” Usually the icons depict various saints, the Mother of God, Jesus Christ, or actions that took place in ancient times and are described in the Holy Scriptures.
The face depicted on the icon is not the Lord God. It is believed that it is intended only to remind the praying person of the Divine. That’s why they write on the icon not the face, but the face. Very important in him are the eyes, which reflect the depth of the soul. No less significant are the hands, whose gestures carry a certain meaning.
The rest of the figure is very airy, as it is designed to show inner strength. This is exactly what the emphasis is on.
At a certain period of time, a religious theme became popular among artists. And it seems that there is a painting and an icon on the same topic; the same saint is depicted on it, for example. But on the first canvas there is spirituality, but on the second there is none. Therefore, when painting icons, they demand that canons that were written long ago be observed, which exclude random details. Each fragment carries a certain semantic and spiritual meaning.
The appearance of icons dates back to the 1st century AD. It is believed that the first of them was created by Luke, who wrote one of the parts of the Gospel. According to the second version, the oldest image is the imprint of the face of Jesus Christ when he kissed a towel while washing himself.
One way or another, the oldest images found were dated to the 6th century. They were made in Byzantine Empire, which had a great influence on the writing of icons. In it, but much later, canons for painting images were written.
The history of icons has different periods. There were persecutions, flourishing, and changes in writing style. Each of the images reflects its time, each is unique. There are a lot of icons that exuded myrrh, tears, blood, healed the sick in hard times. They are revered as the greatest shrines.
An icon is an important symbol for a believer, so the process of its creation is reflected in long-described canons that are still preserved. Creating an image is not a quick task; it takes at least three months.
Creating an icon has some stages that are strictly followed:
Then the icon must be consecrated.
All the icons in the temple have their own meaning and are in their place. When entering the church, the iconostasis is immediately visible. This wooden wall, which is located in front of the altar of the temple. On it are images of the life of Christ, a description of his suffering.
You should know that each icon hangs in its place for a reason. In the center there is always the so-called Deesis row, in which there are numerous saints and martyrs. In its center is the icon of Christ Pantocrator. At the top are festive images, including scenes from the New Testament.
In the center of the iconostasis are Royal Doors, behind which is the altar. On the sides are images with the faces of Christ and the Mother of God. There is also a lower tier, which is filled with icons of saints, as well as images of holidays, which are more revered here.
Speaking about what icons mean in the church, we can note their importance in various rituals, in reminding believers of the Lord. Some have a special status as healers of ailments and fulfillment of worldly desires. They are also approached with gratitude for their help.
It is therefore believed that icons in the church are intermediaries. Believers know that by making a sincere request to the saints depicted on them, they can expect help.
In Christianity, there are especially revered images that have come to us since ancient times. They are the link between the time when the events described in the Bible took place and ours. These original ancient icons are mainly kept in museums, but they were often copied for other churches.
For example, the Kiev Museum of Western and Eastern Art houses the oldest icon of John the Baptist, which dates back to the 6th century. It was made using the technique of those times - encaustic. It was used for painting ancient icons in Byzantium.
Also one of the oldest surviving images is the painting of the Apostles Peter and Paul. The date of its creation is the 11th century. Now it is kept in the Novgorod Museum. It is not completely preserved: the hands, faces and feet do not retain the original paint. However, during the restoration the contours were updated.
The existing icon of St. George, which is kept in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow, is believed to date back to the end of the 11th - beginning of the 12th century. This relic is in good condition.
Ancient icons are an important heritage of Christianity. Each of them has its own special history and writing technique. The study of icons shows what materials were used to create them. Unfortunately, very few of those first images have survived, as there were periods of their mass destruction.
It should also be noted that the author was rarely indicated at that time. This indicated that the image was still important in icon painting.
This is a separate category of images in Christianity. Usually personalized icons acquired at baptism, then they must be kept throughout life. It will be even better if you hang such an image over your child’s crib so that it protects him from harm.
You should know that personalized icons are those that depict the saint in whose honor the person was baptized. Usually this image is chosen based on the child’s name. If there is not one among the saints, then you should take the one that is most suitable. Thus, the child has a heavenly patron.
In ancient times, such icons were ordered specifically for the birth or baptism of a child. They were called measured and were made to fit the height of a baby.
Personalized icons are not the only ones that are used for special occasions. There are also:
Icon painting has a special attitude towards the female image, namely the Mother of God. Her icons are very revered by believers and often have miraculous powers. Each of them has its own meaning. Any such icons (photos are in the article) are very original.
There are also other images of the Mother of God that are prayed to. Each icon is a special protection and help of this female image in Christianity.
Nicholas the Wonderworker is an equally revered saint in the Christian world. People turn to him on various issues - from physical illnesses to stopping quarrels and hostilities. He lived in the 3rd-4th centuries and during his lifetime became famous for his great deeds. There are numerous icons of him, photos of which illustrate his spirituality.
The oldest image of the saint dates back to the 11th century and is located on Mount Sinai, in the monastery of St. Catherine.
Today, in many monasteries and temples there are his images that have miraculous properties.
One of the first images of Jesus Christ was his imprint on a towel, which miraculously appeared there. IN modern world it was called the Savior Not Made by Hands.
If we talk about icons of Jesus Christ, there are a lot of them. There are also several forms of writing his images.
The image of the Son of God now has some required elements. This is a halo, a book, outerwear, clav, chiton. An inscription is also required.
His icons and their meaning have a special status in Christianity.
Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most revered saints. During his life he performed many deeds in the name of Christ. His words reconciled and pacified.
On the icon, Sergius of Radonezh is depicted stern, with his right hand raised in blessing. In his left he holds a scroll as a symbol of knowledge. His icons and their meaning are very important for Christians. They pray to this saint for protection from enemies for the country. It also helps in studying, before an exam, or simply during times of difficulty in understanding something.
A myrrh-streaming icon is a miracle that does not happen very often. This is considered to be a warning about something. This phenomenon can also be the result of sincere and long prayer.
It is believed that the liquid released by the icon at this moment is healing. If you anoint a sick person, his illness may go away.
The flow of myrrh is also the appearance of the Lord to people who believe. This is his message to them.
You can buy icons in every church shop. Their prices may vary. The most expensive, of course, are the ancient images that have survived to this day. Many of them are kept in museums or temples. Such icons are usually not sold, only appraised. For example, the images of the Apostles Peter, Paul, John, and Mark date back to the 16th century. They are valued at 150 thousand euros.
Also, the cost of the icon will depend on its design. After all, even images painted in our time, but decorated with expensive materials (gold, silver, gems), will not sell cheap. Their price range can start from 2500 rubles. The cost will depend on the materials.
If you need inexpensive icons, then there are icons that are completely simple in design. They can be purchased in shops near the church. Similar images can be purchased at prices ranging from 100 rubles and above.
Rare icons can be purchased in an antique shop or during the sale of a private collection. It is difficult to overestimate such icons and their significance, since for a believer they are truly priceless.
Reflecting in my free time, of which I have a lot, about the history of Christianity in Rus', I thought about icons, namely: which icon in Russia is considered the most ancient.
It's useful to scour the Internet.
And this is what I found there.
The most ancient Russian icons date back to the 11th century. There are two of them. Both are from Novgorod. Both are huge in size - two and a half by one and a half meters.
Icon "Apostles Peter and Paul", mid-11th century.
Wood, pavolok, gesso. Egg tempera. 236×147 cm
Novgorod Museum-Reserve, Veliky Novgorod.
“Apostles Peter and Paul” is an icon of the mid-11th century and, in general, the earliest known Russian work of easel painting. The icon comes from the Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedral and is kept in the collection of the Novgorod Museum-Reserve.
According to legend, he brought this icon from Korsun Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh and therefore the icon was called “Korsun”.
However, according to academician V.N. Lazarev, the significant size of the icon indicates that it was most likely painted locally, that is, in Novgorod, by an unknown master (Byzantine, Kyiv or local Novgorod). Her style is inspired by fresco images.
Soon after painting, the icon was covered with a frame of gilded silver.
The icon was taken out of Novgorod three times (in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible, in the 20th century by the German occupiers and in 2002 by restorers), but always returned to the city.
During the post-war restoration of 1951, the icon was covered with wax and mastic, which was a mistake. In 2002, the errors of the previous restoration were corrected, the boards were freed from the frame, which, when removed, was disassembled into 600 fragments, cleaned of oxide and sulfur film, then reassembled, and the original gilding was revealed. However, for better preservation, scientists decided not to cover the icon with the frame anymore.
Alas, now only fragments of the background, clothes made in combinations of blue, white, soft pink and golden yellow tones, and a fragment of greenish-brown ocher on the neck of the Apostle Paul have been preserved from the original painting of the 11th century. All the rest of the original painting - the faces, hands and feet of the apostles - is completely lost. No pictorial layer older than the 15th century was found on these fragments.
The second oldest Russian icon is also from Novgorod.
Icon "Golden Robe of the Savior", mid-11th century.
Wood, pavolok, gesso. Egg tempera. 242×148 cm
The icon received its name “Golden Robe” from the now lost solid silver gilded frame that adorned it. “The Golden Robe of the Savior” dates back to the 11th century. However, in 1700, the icon was completely rewritten by the royal isographer Kirill Ulanov. At the same time, he painted the clothes in detail in gold so that they corresponded to the name of the image.
This icon also comes from the Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedral. It was taken (or more precisely, brazenly taken from the Novgorodians and taken away) to Moscow in 1570 by Ivan the Terrible, who was collecting ancient images in the capital. True, two years later a copy of it was sent to Novgorod.
Currently, the icon is located in the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin, to the right of the royal gates.
Scientists note that the icons “Apostles Peter and Paul” and “The Golden Robe of the Savior” were most likely painted around 1050, when the construction of the St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod was completed.
Thus, there are no older icons in Russia than these.
Although actually in Rus'...
Actually, in Rus' in the first half of the 11th century, Prince Yaroslav the Wise built the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in the center of Kyiv. And inside the cathedral, the world's most complete ensemble of original mosaics and frescoes from the first half of the 11th century has been preserved. But from the point of view of art history, frescoes and mosaics cannot be fully called icons***. Yes and Kievan Rus Now it’s not Russia at all...
Well, what is the oldest Russian icon that has not been rewritten?
The all-knowing Internet is happy to answer this question.
This is “St. George” - the icon of the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.
“Saint George”, 11th-12th centuries.
Wood, pavolok, gesso. Egg tempera. 174×122 cm
Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, Moscow.
Indication "to. XI-XII centuries." suggests that the icon, even if it does not date back to the end of the 11th century, certainly dates back to the very beginning of the 12th century. That is, it is one of the oldest in Russia. This dating of the icon is based on the stylistic proximity of its painting to the mosaics and frescoes of St. Sophia of Kyiv.
The icon, according to academician V.N. Lazarev, is of Novgorod origin and was taken (I repeat: brazenly expropriated) to Moscow by Ivan the Terrible. At the same time, the scientist believes that the possible customer of the icon could have been Prince Georgy Andreevich, younger son Andrei Bogolyubsky, expelled from Novgorod in 1175 and moved to Georgia, where he became the first husband of Queen Tamara... But this is just an assumption. Other experts attribute the icon to the end of the 11th century. And that's why.
The biggest distinguishing feature of the icon is that its painting is uniquely well preserved. There are only small losses on the face, background and clothing at the bottom of the icon.
Such preservation was ensured by an unknown “barbarian of icon painting,” who covered the image of George with a continuous layer of dark brown paint, which was discovered only in the 1930s.
At the same time, the icon acquired another unique feature, namely: many centuries front side icons were its reverse side!
And there was an image of the Virgin and Child, made by a Greek master who worked in Moscow, dating back to the mid-14th century.
Such an ancient image in itself is of great value in iconography.
However, this is not enough: under the image of the Virgin Mary an even earlier painting was discovered. But the restorers did not completely clean up the 14th-century image; only fragments were cleared...
*** In art history, icons are images made within the framework of the Eastern Christian tradition in hard surface(mainly on a linden board covered with gesso (that is, alabaster diluted with liquid glue).
However, from the theological and religious point of view, icons are also mosaic, painting and sculptural images in any artistic manner, if they are given the veneration established by the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Wikipedia
The earliest prayer icons that have survived to this day date back to the period no earlier than the 6th century. They were made using the encaustic technique (Greek ἐγκαυστική - burning), when paint was mixed on heated wax. It should be noted that all paints consist of paint powder (pigment) and a binding material - oil, egg emulsion, or, as in in this case, wax.
Encaustic was the most common painting technique ancient world. It was from the ancient Hellenistic culture that this painting came to Christianity.
Encaustic icons are characterized by a certain “realism” in the interpretation of the image. The desire to document reality. This is not just a cult object, it is a kind of “photography” - living evidence of the real existence of Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints and angels. After all, the holy fathers considered the very fact of the true incarnation of Christ to be the justification and meaning of the icon. The invisible God, who has no image, cannot be depicted.
But if Christ was truly incarnate, if His flesh was real, then it was depictable. As Rev. later wrote. John of Damascus: “In ancient times, God, incorporeal and without form, was never depicted. Now that God has appeared in the flesh and lived among men, we portray the visible God.” It is this evidence, a kind of “documentary”, that permeates the first icons. If the Gospel, in the literal sense, good news, is a kind of report about the incarnate Lord, crucified for our sins, then the icon is an illustration of this report. There is nothing surprising here, because the word icon itself - εἰκών - means “image, image, portrait.”
But the icon conveys not only and not so much the physical appearance of the person depicted. As the same reverend writes. John: “Every image is a revelation and demonstration of what is hidden.” And in the first icons, despite the “realism”, the illusory transmission of light and volume, we also see signs of the invisible world. First of all, this is a halo - a disk of light surrounding the head, symbolizing the grace and radiance of the Divine (St. Simeon of Thessaloniki). In the same way, symbolic images of disembodied spirits - angels - are depicted on the icons.
The most famous encaustic icon now can probably be called the image of Christ Pantocrator, kept in the monastery of St. Catherine in Sinai (it is worth noting that the collection of icons of the Sinai monastery is completely unique; ancient icons, since the monastery, being outside the Byzantine Empire since the 7th century, did not suffer from iconoclasm).
The Sinai Christ is painted in the free pictorial manner inherent in Hellenistic portraiture. Hellenism is also characterized by a certain asymmetry of the face, which has already caused a lot of controversy in our time and prompted some to search for hidden meanings. This icon was most likely painted in one of the workshops in Constantinople, as evidenced by the high level of its execution.
Christ Pantocrator. VI century. Monastery of St. Catherine. Sinai
Most likely, the same circle also includes icons of the Apostle Peter and the Mother of God on the throne, accompanied by saints and angels.
Apostle Peter. VI century. Monastery of St. Catherine. Sinai
Theotokos with the upcoming saints Theodore and George. VI century. Monastery of St. Catherine. Sinai
The Virgin Mary is depicted as the Queen of Heaven, seated on a throne, accompanied by saints dressed in court robes and angels. The simultaneous royalty and humility of Mary are interestingly demonstrated: at first glance, she is dressed in a simple dark tunic and maforium, but its dark purple color tells us that this is purple, and purple robes in the Byzantine tradition could only be worn by the Emperor and Empress.
A similar image, but painted later in Rome, represents the Mother of God - without any hints - in full imperial vestments and crown.
Our Lady - Queen of Heaven. Early 8th century. Rome. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastavere
The icon has a ceremonial character. It follows the style of ceremonial imperial images. At the same time, the faces of the depicted characters are filled with softness and lyricism.
Our Lady - Queen of Heaven. Angel. Fragment
The image of saints in court clothes was supposed to symbolize their glory in the Kingdom of Heaven, and to convey this height, Byzantine masters resorted to forms that were familiar to them and understandable for their time. The image of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, now kept in Kyiv in the Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum of Art, was executed in the same style.
St. Sergius and Bacchus. VI century. Kyiv. Museum of Art. Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko
But, in addition to the refined art of the cultural centers of the Empire, early icon painting is represented by more ascetic style, which is distinguished by greater sharpness, a violation of the proportions of the depicted characters, and an emphasized size of heads, eyes, and hands.
Christ and St. Mina. VI century. Paris. Louvre
Such icons are typical for the monastic environment of the East of the Empire - Egypt, Palestine and Syria. The harsh, sharp expressiveness of these images is explained not only by the level of provincial masters, which is undoubtedly different from the capital, but also by local ethnic traditions and the general ascetic orientation of this style.
Bishop Abraham. VI century. State Museums of Dahlem. Berlin.
Without any doubt, one can be convinced that long before the iconoclastic era and the 7th Ecumenical Council, which condemned iconoclasm, there was a rich and varied tradition of icon painting. And the encaustic icon is only part of this tradition.
Dmitry Marchenko
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