Short facts about Icons – Sofia Ajami

ICXC

Sofia Ajami — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 22:33:19 +0000

ICXC or Christ’s Initials is the most frequent and significant hand gesture in iconography, known as the Pantocrator’s Blessing. This gesture refers to the first and last letters of the Greek words IHCOYC XPICTOC (pronounced as Yesous Cristos) meaning Jesus Christ. It is also associated with classical oratory meaning of this gesture that implies the important sayings of the speaker.

St. Luke, the first Iconographer

Sofia Ajami — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:35:00 +0000

The first icon was made by the Apostle Luke who painted the icons of the Most Pure Virgin still during Her earthly life, which is considered as the basis of iconography.

Vladimir Mother of God
The icon belongs to a family of images of the Theotokos known as Eleusa (Virgin of Tenderness)
Pattern attributed to the Apostle and Evangelist St. Luke.

What is Iconography?

Sofia Ajami — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 09:35:00 +0000

The word icon comes from the Greek word eikon, which means image. Iconography is the study of the images produced by the Saints and faithful Christian artists to elevate the great concepts introduced to the world by Christianity. Images are representation of concepts, and icons replicate Christian Ideas and themes to convey a message

John the Theologian and Prochoros; the Baptism (Epiphany); Harrowing of Hell (Anastasis); Saint Nicholas

Photos Courtesy of The Met Museum

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/479796