It is believed that an icon is an image of God or a Saint on earth, who is a mediator and conductor between the earthly world and the spiritual. The development of writing images goes far back in ancient times. The first image, according to legend, was the imprint of Christ, which appeared on a towel (ubrus) when he dried himself.
Byzantine icons are the first surviving images on which they tried to capture the faces of the saints, the Lord God, the Mother of God with her son.
Writing images
The first Byzantine icons that have survived to this day date back to the 6th century. Undoubtedly, there were earlier ones, but, unfortunately, they have not been preserved. The first Christians were very often persecuted and persecuted, a lot of manuscripts and images of that time were simply destroyed. It was also considered idolatry at the time.
The style of writing can be judged by some of the surviving mosaics. Everything was quite simple and ascetic. Each icon was supposed to show the strength of the spirit and the depth of the image.
At the moment, many preserved Byzantine icons are stored on Mount Sinai inMonastery of Saint Catherine. The most famous of them:
- "Christ Pantocrator".
- "Apostle Peter".
- "Our Lady on the Throne".
Their writing style - encaustic - was considered one of the most popular at the time. Its peculiarity is that the image is written with wax paint, even while still hot. This way of writing made it possible to depict the forms on the icon very realistically. Subsequently, the technique was replaced by tempera, as it was believed that it was more in line with the canons of writing.
It is also very interesting that these three icons are important images that subsequently formed in iconography. In the future, the style of writing gradually reduced to a symbolic one, where not the humanity depicted on the icon prevailed, but its spirituality. In the Komnenovian period (1059-1204), the face of the images became more human again, but spirituality also remained. A striking example is the Vladimir icon. In the eighteenth century, despite the defeat of Constantinople, something new appeared in icon painting. This is calm and monumentalism. In the future, the icon painters of Byzantium continued to look for the correct spelling of the face and the image as a whole. In the XIV century, the transfer of Divine light became important in icons. Until the very capture of Constantinople, searches and experiments in this direction did not stop. New masterpieces also appeared.
Byzantine iconography at one time had a significant impact on all countries where Christianity spread.
Painting icons in Russia
First looks in Russiaappeared immediately after the baptism of Russia. These were Byzantine icons that were painted to order. Masters were also invited for training. Thus, at first Russian icon painting was strongly influenced by Byzantine.
In the 11th century, the first school arose in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The first well-known icon painters appeared - these are Alipiy and his “colleague”, as it was written in one manuscript, Gregory. It is believed that Christianity spread from Kyiv to other Russian cities. Along with him and icon painting.
After some time there were very large schools in Novgorod, Pskov, Moscow. Each of them has formed its own characteristics in writing. At this time, the signing of images, the assignment of authorship to them, comes into use. It can be said that since the sixteenth century, the Russian style of writing has completely separated from the Byzantine, has become independent.
If we talk about schools in particular, then in Novgorod the characteristic features were simplicity and conciseness, brightness of tones and largeness of forms. The Pskov school has an inaccurate drawing, which is more asymmetric, but endowed with a certain expressiveness. A slightly gloomy color is characteristic with a predominance of dark green, dark cherry, red with an orange tint. Icon backgrounds are often yellow.
The Moscow school is considered to be the pinnacle of icon painting of that time. She was greatly influenced by the work of Theophanes the Greek, who brought some traditions from Constantinople. Separately, there was the work of Andrei Rublev, who created magnificent examples of icons. In his work, he used a writing style that was characteristic of Byzantium in the 15th century. At the sametime he also used Russian directions. The result is amazingly styled images.
It should be noted that although Russian iconography went its own way, it retained all types of icon painting that existed in Byzantium. Of course, over time they have been somewhat transformed, even new ones have appeared. This was due to the emergence of new canonized saints, as well as special veneration for those who were of little importance in Byzantium.
In the 17th century, icon painting in Russia became more and more artistic than spiritual, and also acquired an unprecedented scope. Masters are more and more valued, and are also sent to other countries to paint temples. Russian icons are ordered and sold to many Orthodox countries. In subsequent years, this art is only affirmed in mastery.
Icon painting in Russia during the Soviet Union experienced its decline, some ancient images were lost. However, now it is slowly reviving, there are new names of artists who are successful in this field.
The meaning of the icons of the Mother of God in the life of believers
The Mother of God has always occupied a special place in Christianity. From the very first days, she was the intercessor and protector of both ordinary people and cities and countries. Obviously, this is why there are so many icons of the Mother of God. According to legend, the first images of her were painted by Luke, the evangelist. Icons of the Mother of God have a special miraculous power. Also, some lists written from different images became healing and protective over time.
If we talk about which iconThe Mother of God helps in any way, then you should know that in various troubles you should ask for help from different images. For example, the image of the Mother of God, called “Seeking the Dead”, will help with headaches, eye diseases, and will also be saving for alcoholism. The icon “It is worthy to eat” will help with various illnesses of the soul and body, and it will also be good to pray to her at the end of any business.
Types of icons of the Mother of God
It can be noted that each image of the Mother of God has its own meaning, which can be understood from the type of writing of the icon. Types were formed back in Byzantium. Of these, the following stand out.
Oranta (Prayer)
This is how the early Christian Byzantine icon of the Mother of God is depicted, where she is depicted in full growth or waist-high with her arms raised, which are spread apart, palms out, without a baby. Similar images were found in the Roman catacombs; the iconographic type became more widespread after 843. The main meaning is the intercession and mediation of the Mother of God.
There is also a variant of the image of the Virgin with the baby Christ in a round medallion at chest level. In Russian iconography, it is called "The Sign". The meaning of the image is the Epiphany.
Famous Icons:
- Yaroslavskaya.
- "Inexhaustible Chalice" and others
Hodegetria (Guidebook)
This type of Byzantine icon of the Mother of God spread widely throughout the Christian world after the 6th century. According to legend, it was also written for the first timeEvangelist Luke. After some time, the icon became the intercessor of Constantinople. The original was lost forever during its siege, but many copies have survived.
The icon depicts the Mother of God holding the baby Christ in her arms. It is he who is the center of the composition. Christ blesses with his right hand, and holds a scroll in his left. The Mother of God points to him with her hand, as if showing the true path. This is precisely the meaning of images of this type.
Famous Icons:
- “Kazan”.
- “Tikhvinskaya”.
- “Iverskaya” and others
Eleusa (Merciful)
Similar icons also originated in Byzantium, but became more widespread in Russia. This style of writing arose later, in the ninth century. It is very similar to the Hodegetria type, only more gentle. Here the faces of the baby and the Mother of God come into contact with each other. The image becomes softer. It is believed that icons of this type convey the love of a mother for her son, like human relationships. In some versions, this image is called “Careful”.
Icons of this type:
- “Vladimirskaya”.
- “Pochaevskaya”.
- “Recovery of the Lost” and others
Panahranta
Images of this type appeared in Byzantium in the 11th century. They depict the Mother of God, who sits on a throne (throne) with a baby sitting on her lap. Such icons of the Mother of God symbolize her greatness.
Images of this type:
- “Sovereign”.
- “The All-Queen”.
- “Pechersk”.
- “Cypriot” and others
Image of the Virgin“Tenderness” (“Rejoice, Bride Not Bride”)
The icon “Tenderness”, which depicts the face of the Virgin without her baby, belonged to Seraphim of Sarov. She stood in his cell, in front of her there was always a lamp burning, with oil from which he anointed the suffering, and they were healed. Its exact origin is unknown. It is believed that the image was painted around the 17th century. However, some think that the icon was revealed to Seraphim of Sarov, since he had a special relationship with the Mother of God. She saved him from illness more than once, often appeared in visions.
After the death of the elder, the icon “Tenderness” was bequeathed to the Diveevo convent. Since then, many lists have been written from it, some have become miraculous.
The image is a half-length image. It depicts the Mother of God without a son, with her arms crossed on her chest and her head slightly tilted. This is one of the most tender images of the Mother of God, where she is depicted before the birth of Christ, but after the condescension of the Holy Spirit on her. This is a female icon of the Mother of God. How does she help? The image is of particular importance for girls and women from ten to thirty years. It is believed that prayers to him will ease the difficult teenage period, preserve girlish purity and chastity. Also, this icon is an assistant during the conception of children and at their birth.
Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God
This is another no less famous image of the Virgin. He has been famous for his miraculous deeds for a long time and is very revered among Orthodox believers. The Pochaev icon is located in the Holy DormitionPochaev Lavra, which is an ancient Orthodox place. The image was donated by the local landowner Anna Goyskaya in 1597. Prior to that, she received it as a gift from the Greek Metropolitan Neophyte. The icon was painted in the Byzantine style in tempera. At least 300 scrolls were made from it, which later became miraculous.
The Pochaev icon saved the monastery from invaders many times, in addition, many healings were performed with its help. Since then, prayers offered to this image have helped with foreign invasions, healed with eye diseases.
“Grieving”
The “Grieving” icon is an image of the Mother of God with lowered eyes, which are covered with eyelids. The whole image shows the grief of the mother for the dead son. The Mother of God is depicted alone, there are also images with a baby.
There are many spellings. For example, in Jerusalem, in the chapel of Christ's Bonds, there is an ancient icon depicting a weeping Mother of God. In Russia, the miraculous image of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” is popular, which is famous for its healings.
The “Grieving” icon is a helper and savior during the loss of loved ones, praying to this image will help strengthen faith in eternal life.
Origin of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God
This image, by its iconographic type, belongs to Hodegetria, and this is the most famous icon. It is not known for certain whether this is the original or just a list. The Smolensk icon came to Russia in 1046. She was like the blessing of Constantine IXMonomakh's daughter Anna to marry Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich of Chernigov. The son of Vsevolod, Vladimir Monomakh, transferred this icon to Smolensk, where it was kept in the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God, which he also built. So this image got its name.
In the future, the icon performed many different miracles. For example, 1239 could be fatal for Smolensk. A huge horde of Batu at that time marched across the Russian land, approaching the city. Through the prayers of the inhabitants, as well as the feat of the warrior Mercury, before whom the Mother of God appeared in a vision, Smolensk was saved.
Icon often traveled. In 1398 she was brought to Moscow and placed in the Cathedral of the Annunciation, where she stayed until 1456. This year a list was written from it and left in Moscow, while the original was sent back to Smolensk. Later, the image became a symbol of the unity of the Russian land.
By the way, the original icon of the Mother of God (Byzantine) was lost after 1940. In the 1920s, she was taken to a museum by decree, after which her fate is not known. Now in the Assumption Cathedral there is another icon, which is a scroll. It was written in 1602.
Icon of Seraphim of Sarov
Seraphim of Sarov is a Russian miracle worker who founded the women's Diveevo monastery and later became her patron. He was marked by God's sign from an early age, after falling from the bell tower he was delivered from illness after praying before the icon of the Mother of God. At the same time, the saint also had her vision. Seraphim always strove for monasticism, so in 1778was accepted as a novice at the Sarov monastery, and in 1786 became a monk there.
Very often St. Seraphim saw angels, once there was even a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the future, the saint strove for hermitage, had the experience of hermitage. He also performed the feat of pilgrimage for a thousand days. Most of the exploits of this time have remained unknown. After some time, Seraphim of Sarov returned to the Sarov monastery, as he could not walk due to a disease in his legs. There, in his old cell, he continued to pray before the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”.
According to the stories, after a while the Mother of God ordered him to stop being a recluse and start healing human souls. He received the gift of clairvoyance, as well as miracles. Obviously, that is why today the icon of Seraphim of Sarov is of great importance for the believer. The monk knew about his death and prepared for it in advance. I even told my spiritual children about it. He was found praying before the icon of the Mother of God, which had been with him all his life. After the death of Seraphim, many miracles were performed at his grave, in 1903 he was canonized as a saint.
The icon of Seraphim of Sarov has meaning for those who are discouraged. Prayer in grief will also help. In any of the bodily and spiritual illnesses, the icon of the saint will help. There is also a prayer rule of Seraphim of Sarov.
Icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh
Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most revered saints in Russia. He is the founder of the TrinitySergius Lavra. He was also its first hegumen. The charter of the Trinity Monastery was very strict, since St. Sergius himself strictly observed the monastic life. After some time, due to the discontent of the brethren, he had to leave. Elsewhere, he founded the Kirzhach Annunciation Monastery. He did not stay there long, as he was asked to return to the Trinity Monastery. Immediately he went to God in 1392.
The oldest hagiographic icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh was made in the 1420s. Now she is in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. This is an embroidered cover, on which is a half-length image of St. Sergius, and around there are nineteen hallmarks of his life.
Today there is more than one icon of Radonezh. There is also an image that is located in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. It dates back to the turn of the XV-XVI centuries. In the museum. A. Rublev there is another icon of this period.
The image of Radonezh is an assistant in bodily and spiritual illnesses, as well as during everyday problems. They turn to the saint if it is necessary to protect children from bad influences, and also so that there are no failures in their studies. Prayer before the image of St. Sergius is useful for the proud. The icon of Radonezh is very revered among believing Christians.
Image of Saints Peter and Fevronia
The life story of Peter and Fevronia of Murom shows how pious and devoted to the Lord can be, even being in family ties. Their family life began with the fact that Fevronia healed her future husband from scabs and ulcers on his body. For this sheasked him to marry her after the cure. Of course, the prince did not want to marry the daughter of a tree climber, but Fevronia foresaw this. The prince's illness resumed, and even then he married her. They began to rule together and were known for their piety.
Of course, the reign was not cloudless. They were expelled from the city, then asked to return. After that, they ruled until old age, and then became monks. The couple asked to be buried in the same coffin with a thin partition, but their command was not fulfilled. Therefore, they were carried twice to different temples, but they still miraculously ended up together.
The icon of Fevronia and Peter is the patroness of true Christian marriage. The hagiographic image of the saints, which is dated 1618, is now in Muromsk, in the historical and art museum. Also, icons of saints can be found in other temples. For example, in Moscow, the Church of the Ascension of the Lord has an image with a particle of relics.
Guardian icons
In Russia, at one time, another type of images appeared - these are dimensional ones. For the first time such an icon was painted for the son of Ivan the Terrible. Some twenty preserved similar images have survived to this day. These were guardian icons - it was believed that the depicted saints were the patrons of babies until the end of their lives. In our time, this practice has resumed. Already everyone can order such an image for a child. Now in general there is a certain set of icons that is used for various rituals. These are, for example, nominal icons, wedding, family, etc. For each case, you can purchase the appropriateimage.
