The Art of Icons

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how orthodox iconography can be traced back to Christ himself and attempts to unravel the beautiful spiritual and historical significance of the art. It looks at how the art of icons is a sacred art in the true sense of the word and how icons are a visual theology and window into the spiritual realm, as well as a pictorial expression of the truth and mercy of God. This paper presents four examples of the most beloved and venerated icons orthodoxy has to offer and the stories behind them.

Outline
The Function of Icons
The History of Icons
The Making of Icons
Famous Icons With a Brief Synopsis
Christ Savior "Not Made By Hands"
Theotokos of Vladimir
Holy Trinity
St. George

From the Paper:

"The story of the first icon begins on the banks of the Euphrates in the time of Christ. A prince by the name of Avgar lived in the city of Edessa. Avgar, who was stricken with leprosy, heard of Jesus and his miracles. The prince sent a court artist named Ananias to Judea with a letter to Christ, asking him to come to Edessa and heal him of leprosy. In the event that Jesus was not able to come, the prince commanded Ananias to paint Christ's likeness and bring that back. Try as he might the artist found that trying to paint the visage of Christ was impossible. Jesus, knowing everything and knowing what the prince wanted, pressed a napkin to his face. When he removed the napkin from his face it showed the likeness of Christ having long brownish hair with red highlights, a long thin nose and brown eyes."

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