WHAT AN ICON IS

The term "icon" comes from the Greek and has a very simple meaning: image or likeness. In a religious sense, icons refer to depictions of holy persons or stories that are venerated in the church – for example, Jesus Christ or the Resurrection. They have a visual language that dates back to the early days of Christianity and, with centuries-old theological symbolism, make the spiritual reality visible. The icon is a likeness that reverently points to an archetype in order to honor the archetype.

WHY YOU NEED AN ICON

Images are a universal language that people of all cultures and ages understand, connecting them with one another. A Christian icon is a faithful translation of the Gospel into a language that does not require words. Images evoke memories and emotions in a way that words cannot. If you wish to immortalize not only the memories of your loved ones but also the role models and founders of your faith in images, an icon is an indispensable enrichment.

Commission

THE VALUE OF AN ICON

Uniqueness

Quality

Durability

Uniqueness: A hand-painted icon is unique, and each one is a one-of-a-kind creation. Every image that the icon painter creates is imbued with deep emotions. An icon is a visible expression of the artist’s prayers – thousands of brushstrokes, guided by patience and devotion, accompanied by constant prayer, lead to the manifestation of the invisible: faith and the Gospel take shape and color. An icon is not merely art; it is a relic of early Christian tradition, and, though imperfect, it aims to reflect God’s glory for the spiritual benefit and blessing of the viewer. When you acquire a hand-painted icon, you possess a spiritual treasure that the artist has created with passion and devotion, making it a deeply personal and irreplaceable wealth for its owner.

Quality: When creating an icon, quality takes precedence over quantity. The technique applied goes back centuries. The wood used as the painting surface (usually linden wood or plywood) is painstakingly prepared by skilled artists over several weeks. The paints are mixed with a self-made emulsion of egg yolk and white wine, combined with naturally sourced pigments, and carefully applied in multiple layers – a complex process requiring patience and skill. The mixing ratio must be precisely tuned, the colors applied smoothly, and the lines drawn with precision. To symbolize the divine light, genuine gold leaf of the highest quality is used for the background and halos.

Durability: A handcrafted icon endures for centuries, becoming a lifelong companion to its owner. Thus, a hand-painted icon’s value is not measured by its sale price. Its spiritual and material worth is immeasurable and transcends generations.