Original Piece of Byzantine Art
The artwork below is created to resemble an icon from Byzantine Orthodox Christianity. (Note: Created with acrylic paint.)
The Holy Christ of Redemption
The Holy Christ of Redemption
Created by Lindsey Oakes
Analysis:
Throughout the earlier history of Byzantium iconoclasm, early emperors opposed the use of icons, and this was a factor aiding in the wide berth between eastern and western churches. This painting belongs in the Orthodox Christianity religion, and therefore is an icon. Many people would kneel before such images to produce a sort of relationship with the image. This could be done by prayer, and studying the image itself. In the icon depicting Jesus, a holy figure of Christianity, his eyes stare directly at the viewer in order to make the relationship seems more intimate, and in attempt of making the figure seem actually present. Many people would come to churches and worship these wall images to further increase their faith between the divine figures they choose to pray to. The motion the hands create in the figure is a signal of a blessing towards the viewer, which is a very common aspect in religious icons. In Jesus’ other hand, he holds a simple cross on his shoulder, symbolizing the importance of the cross in the crucifixion that saves the followers from sin. The clothes Jesus wears are simple, yet elegant in both color and design.
The icon includes aspects of the religious Orthodox Christianity, and much of the design is modeled after classic Byzantine icons. The golden background was an extremely common use in icons, as well as the halo surrounding Jesus’ head. This halo is also used for other religious figures such as angels and disciples. After visiting the icon, people would receive blessings and fortunes, which gave positive outlooks on icons.
Any gender of believer could visit the icon, and the icon would normally be found in a public church. The personal intent to visit the icon was based upon creating an intimate relationship between the viewer and the figure. In this case, people would come to receive blessings or fortunes from the figure of Jesus.
Throughout the earlier history of Byzantium iconoclasm, early emperors opposed the use of icons, and this was a factor aiding in the wide berth between eastern and western churches. This painting belongs in the Orthodox Christianity religion, and therefore is an icon. Many people would kneel before such images to produce a sort of relationship with the image. This could be done by prayer, and studying the image itself. In the icon depicting Jesus, a holy figure of Christianity, his eyes stare directly at the viewer in order to make the relationship seems more intimate, and in attempt of making the figure seem actually present. Many people would come to churches and worship these wall images to further increase their faith between the divine figures they choose to pray to. The motion the hands create in the figure is a signal of a blessing towards the viewer, which is a very common aspect in religious icons. In Jesus’ other hand, he holds a simple cross on his shoulder, symbolizing the importance of the cross in the crucifixion that saves the followers from sin. The clothes Jesus wears are simple, yet elegant in both color and design.
The icon includes aspects of the religious Orthodox Christianity, and much of the design is modeled after classic Byzantine icons. The golden background was an extremely common use in icons, as well as the halo surrounding Jesus’ head. This halo is also used for other religious figures such as angels and disciples. After visiting the icon, people would receive blessings and fortunes, which gave positive outlooks on icons.
Any gender of believer could visit the icon, and the icon would normally be found in a public church. The personal intent to visit the icon was based upon creating an intimate relationship between the viewer and the figure. In this case, people would come to receive blessings or fortunes from the figure of Jesus.