The Forgotten Beauty Of Iconography

When you step into a Catholic church, you may encounter paintings of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which inspire reverence and devotion. However, icons are a rarer sight in Catholic spaces. By contrast, walking into an Orthodox church is like entering a gallery of sacred beauty, where icons cover every surface—from the soaring dome to the sanctuary and throughout the nave. Icons are everywhere, transforming the church into a living reflection of heaven itself. This article will explore the history and significance of icons and iconography, offering a perspective that you may have never encountered before.

To begin, you might ask, “What are icons?” or “What is iconography?” Allow me to explain. Icons are sacred paintings that differ greatly from ordinary artwork. Rather than conventional paint, iconographers use a special medium known as egg tempera. This ancient mixture is created by combining crushed minerals—ground into a fine powder—with egg yolk, producing vibrant, enduring colors. Icons possess a unique quality: they are both lifelike and otherworldly, capturing not just physical form but spiritual essence. Iconography, then, is the sacred art and practice of painting icons, a tradition that has existed for centuries and continues to inspire the faithful today. In fact, I am currently in the process of sketching and painting my first icon, a journey that has deepened my appreciation for this extraordinary art form.

**The history of iconography is long and rich, but it has not been without struggle. Between the years 720 and 787, the Church faced a turbulent period known as Iconoclasm. Iconoclasm, which comes from the Greek meaning “image-breaking,” was the belief that depicting Christ and the saints through art was sinful and sacrilegious. This movement began when Emperor Leo III ordered the removal of an icon of Christ from the Chalke Gate of the imperial palace in Constantinople. His actions ignited a wave of destruction, as zealots entered churches to tear down icons, smash statues, and destroy anything that portrayed Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints. At its core, the iconoclast movement was driven by a desire for secularism and control, promoted under the guise of religious reform.

However, the Church remained steadfast, affirming that icons are not only permissible but essential to Christian worship. The Second Council of Nicaea (787) condemned iconoclasm as heresy, declaring that icons are instruments of faith, helping the faithful honor—not worship—the divine figures they represent. To commemorate this victory, iconographers created a beautiful and triumphant image known as The Triumph of Orthodoxy, symbolizing the victory of faith over secularism and iconoclasm.**

But why, you may wonder, do Orthodox churches exclusively use icons? During the Middle Ages, churches and cathedrals in the West began using oil paintings to depict Christ and the saints. While beautiful, these works were seen by the Orthodox Church as overly materialistic, emphasizing earthly beauty rather than divine simplicity. In contrast, icons are intentionally humble, stripped of unnecessary embellishment to reflect the majesty and simplicity of God. This tradition of iconography, deeply rooted in humility and prayer, continues to this day within Orthodox Christianity, where icons remain central to both worship and spiritual life.

In my own experience, I have come to believe that iconography is of profound importance. It is both beautiful and simple, capturing the majesty of God while reflecting His infinite humility. Unlike other forms of religious art, iconography is not dependent on extraordinary skill or talent—it is a practice of devotion and prayer. With research, dedication, and practice, anyone can learn to create an icon. I am living proof of this, having begun my journey as an iconographer through simple steps of study and effort.

In conclusion, religious art holds an essential place in the spiritual and cultural life of humanity. Of all its forms, sacred icons stand as particularly powerful expressions of faith, beauty, and devotion. Often called “windows to heaven,” icons are not mere works of art but sacred instruments that elevate the soul, drawing the faithful into prayer and contemplation. Through their unique craftsmanship, symbolism, and enduring tradition, icons bridge the divine and the earthly, offering us a glimpse of God’s glory and the communion of saints. Truly, religious art—and especially sacred icons—reminds us of the divine presence among us and calls our hearts heavenward, to the eternal beauty of God.

The Triumph Of Orthodoxy Icon