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What are Icons An icon (from Greek εικων, eikon, "image") is an artistic visual representation or symbol of anything considered holy and divine, such as God, saints or deities. An icon could be a painting (including relief painting), sculpture, or mosaic. Historically In Eastern Orthodoxy, icons were the representation of sacred persons or events in murals, mosaics, or paintings on wood. After the Iconoclastic Controversy of the 8th-9th century, which disputed the religious function and meaning of icons, the Eastern churches formulated an official doctrine that approved their use, stating that since God had assumed material form in the person of Jesus, he and other sacred personages could be represented in works of art. Usually religious icons depict Jesus or Mary but also have saints and angels as their subject and are relied on as objects of veneration and as tools for instruction. In modern times artists such as Lynda Miller Baker have infused new life into this ancient craft. They rely on traditional techniques and materials but add new meaning through fresh interpretations of traditional subjects. Sensitive modern artists continue to create inspiring objects, worthy of contemplation. |
