What Are Byzantine Icons?

Byzantine icons are a type of religious art that originated in the Byzantine Empire, the easternmost section of the Roman Empire that was centered in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in the first millennium AD. These iconic images are usually of Jesus, Mary, and the saints and are often crafted in a distinctive style of art that has become known as “Byzantine.” The Art of the Icon follows this tradition closely with our handmade Byzantine icons crafted in Greece. Learn more about Byzantine icons below, and shop with us today!

History of Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire lasted from the 4th to the 15th centuries, and during this time it was the center of the Orthodox Christian Church. Icons were very important to the Byzantine faith, and they were used to represent the divine, as well as to help teach the faith. Byzantine icons were usually painted on wooden panels (but other media was used, including marble and ivory), and although there were some differences in style, most of them had a common set of features.

Byzantine Icon Figures

The figures in Byzantine icons were typically portrayed with a calm and serene expression, and the colors used were often bright and vibrant. The clothing of the figures was also often highly stylized, particularly for the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The figures were usually set against a gold or silver background, which was meant to symbolize the divine and heavenly realm.

Encaustic Icons

The most common type of Byzantine icons was known as “encaustic” icons, which were painted with hot wax mixed with pigments. Other types of icons such as those made of ivory and mosaic tiles were also popular. By the 12th century, the production of icons had become a major industry in the Byzantine Empire, and many of these icons have since become important religious artifacts.

SHOP OUR BYZANTINE ICONS TODAY

Today, Byzantine icons are still highly revered by the Orthodox Church, and they are often found in churches and homes. Byzantine icons are also popular among art collectors, and they can be found in galleries and museums around the world. The Art of the Icon is dedicated to continuing the tradition of Byzantine icons by producing authentic icons you’ll love. Each icon comes with a certificate of authenticity, so you can rest assured you’ll have meaningful religious art for years to come. Shop our religious store online today!

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