Includes bibliographical references (pages 163-165).
Contents:
What Is an Icon? -- When Were the First Icons Created? -- Where Were the First Icons Created? -- How Are Icons Created? -- What Are Some Different Types of icons? -- What Are Icons Saying? The Symbolic Language of Icons -- What Is the Story with Iconoclasm? A Not-so-brief Detour -- What's in a Halo? -- How Do Icons Change Through Time? -- Decoration or Message? Color Symbolism in Icons -- "Gilding the Lily" Oklads -- What Role Do Icons Play in Orthodox Spirituality? -- Bringing It All Together: Andrei Rublev's "Old Testament Trinity."
Summary:
"A comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide to Russian icons - the "beating heart of the Christian East" Religious icons have been at the spiritual heart of the Christian East for nearly two thousand years. Their mysterious, peaceful quality and almost magnetic power can stop us in our tracks and draw our gaze, without us even knowing why. The sophisticated composition and symbolism of icons emphasize that their subjects are inhabitants of another, transcendent, world. They are not simply the art of the Christian East, but the expression and pulse of its spirituality. And on a personal level for many Christians of all backgrounds, icons are not only objects of admiration, but a deep wellspring of meditation, reflection, and veneration. A docent at the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, Massachusetts, for many years, Dennis J. Sardella now offers an inviting guide to the most famous icons in the collection. This vibrantly illustrated book will: Introduce you to icons and instill a desire for a deeper appreciation of them Teach you about their origin, their historical evolution, their complex symbolic language, and their role in the spiritual and liturgical life of the Eastern Churches, both Orthodox and Catholic Answer your questions about when and where the first icons were created Show the physical and spiritual steps in their creation Explain the different types of icons, the symbolism that is key to deciphering them, as well as their role in Eastern Christian spirituality and liturgy. Those who are knowledgeable about Russian icons and Byzantine icons, as well as newcomers, will find Visible Image of the Invisible God to be a treasured resource. "-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.