What is painted on Russian icons?

Colors. Traditionally, Russian icons were painted in layers. A dark brown background color was applied as the first layer, upon which features were painted in a reddish ochre and light brown with light areas and highlights completed in an ochre mixed with white lead.

What are Russian icons used for?

Russian icons were intended to function as a window to guide the faithful into the spiritual realm, and were traditionally hung across a corner of the house.

What are orthodox paintings called?

icon
An icon (from the Greek εἰκών eikṓn ‘image, resemblance’) is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, the Roman Catholic, and certain Eastern Catholic churches. They are not simply artworks; “an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion”.

Why were icons important in Russian Orthodox churches?

The golden background of icons is a symbol of the spiritual world and divine radiance. It conveys the magnificence of the Heavenly Kingdom where there is no night. That is why the folds and parts of the garments of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints were painted with gold.

Are Russian icons valuable?

An image of Saint Nicholas, the patron Saint of Russia, will be more valuable that an Icon of a random Metropolitan or other obscure subjects. Additionally, Icons that have decorative covers called oklads, made of gold and silver with precious and semi-precious stones, are typically worth more.

Why do Orthodox have icons?

Orthodox Christians view icons as visual representations of the people and stories of the Bible. Orthodox Christians view icons as visual representations of God and do not believe that the images have a spiritual quality.

Are icons OK in the Russian Orthodox Church?

Because icons in Orthodoxy must follow traditional standards and are essentially copies, Orthodoxy never developed the reputation of the individual artist as Western Christianity did, and the names of even the finest icon painters are seldom recognized except by some Eastern Orthodox or art historians.

Why do Greek Orthodox kiss icons?

If the icon is painted to show a scene or event from the Bible, the individual will kiss an arbitrary location. This is called “venerating” the icon and is done to show respect. This is not to be confused as a form of worship. We respect not the icon itself, but what the icon represents.

What are Russian religious paintings called?

Ikona or Russian icon derives its name from the Greek eikon meaning image. The icon most collectors are familiar with is a religious image painted on a wood panel which developed about the time of Christ. Russia converted to Christianity about 1000 AD and adopted the Orthodox Eastern style of painting icons.

Are old religious pictures worth anything?

First is the obvious point that while the majority of religious prints are inexpensive, there are some very fine, expensive religious prints. An Old Master engraving of Madonna and Child or an exquisite eighteenth century mezzotint of Christ on the Cross certainly have significant value.

What are some famous Russian icons?

Gury Nikitin (1620-1691) Gury Nikitin is one more prominent icon painter of the mid-17 th century, known for his church works and icons distinguished by a perfect combination of monumentality and decorative art. Most famous Russian icon: Icon of St. Quiricus and St. Juliet.

What is the Russian Orthodox symbol?

The Orthodox cross, made up of two horizontal and one diagonal bar crossing a vertical pole, is the symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church. The upper bar represents the sign “INRI,” (“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”) the mocking title bestowed on Christ by the Romans in the New testament account of the crucifixion.

What does the Russian Orthodox Church believe in?

Like other Orthodox churches, the Russian Orthodox Church is trinitarian, believes the Bible to be the Word of God, and teaches that Jesus is God the Son. In these matters, the Russian Orthodox Church aligns with Scripture. However, their doctrine has much more in common with Roman Catholicism than with evangelical Christianity .

What are the Eastern Orthodox icons?

Eastern Orthodox Icons are usually two-dimensional images and may be made of paint, mosaic, embroidery, weaving, carving, engraving, or other methods.