Iconography

Dating back to the first century A.D., iconography became a form of religious art. Icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary were first painted by St. Luke, the gospel writer. Since then, iconography has spread both East and West, capturing for eternity the importance of religious beliefs and cultural practices throughout the history of mankind.

In the West, icons were primarily painted on cloth. However in the East, they have flourished being placed on wood, glass, metal casting, and stone. An icon’s beauty and message knows no borders or faith denomination.

Known as “windows to heaven,” icons transcend their viewer through their storytelling and rich symbolism. Because colors are of essence to an icon, understanding their meaning helps one interpret them. Gold represents the radiance of heaven; red, divine life; blue is the color of human life; white is the uncreated spirit of divinity. Letters are symbols too and many icons incorporate some text naming the person or event depicted.