tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30588476219588349982024-03-19T10:49:21.775-07:00IconAn Art History student writes an Icon...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-2963535431236158922010-11-30T18:07:00.000-08:002010-11-30T18:07:43.390-08:00The Blessing of an IconThe final ritual in the writing of an icon is having it blessed. The iconographer sets the finished icon on the altar and prays before it. Then it is blessed by the priest. Below is the Orthodox Ceremony for the Blessing of an Icon.<br />
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<h1 class="documentFirstHeading">The <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Blessing</span> <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d Hallowing of <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span>s</h1><b>Priest:</b><br />
Blessed is our God always, both now <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d ever, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d unto ages of ages:<br />
<b>Ch<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ter:</b><i> </i><br />
Amen, <i>The Trisagion Prayers. O All holy Trinity. Our Father</i><br />
<b>Priest:</b><i> </i><br />
For Yours is the Kingdom ...<br />
<b>Ch<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ter</b>:<br />
<i> </i>Amen. <i>Kyrie eleison. </i>O come, let us worship <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d fall down. . .<br />
<b>Priest:</b><br />
O Lord our God, Who created us after Your own Image <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d Likeness; Who redeems us from our former corruption of the <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>cient curse through Your m<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>befriending Christ, Who took upon Himself the form of a serv<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>t <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d became m<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>; Who having taken upon Himself our likeness remade Your Saints of the first dispensation, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d through Whom also we are refashioned in the Image of Your pure blessedness;<br />
Your Saints we venerate as being in Your Image <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d Likeness, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d we adore <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d glorify You as our Creator;<br />
Wherefore we pray You, send forth Your <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">blessing</span> upon this <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span>, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d with the sprinkling of hallowed water<br />
Bless <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d make holy this <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span> unto Your glory, in honor <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d remembr<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ce of Your Saint (N);<br />
<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">An</span>d gr<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>t that this s<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ctification will be to all who venerate this <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span> of Saint (N), <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d send up their prayer unto You st<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ding before it;<br />
Through the grace <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d bounties <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d love of Your Only-Begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed together with Your All-Holy, Good <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d Life-creating Spirit; both now <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d ever, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d unto ages of ages.<br />
<b>Ch<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ter:</b> <br />
Amen.<br />
<i>Sprinkling cross fashion the <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span> with Holy Water, he says:</i><br />
Hallowed <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d blessed is this <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span> of St. (N) by the Grace of the Holy Spirit, through the sprinkling of Holy Water: in the Name of the Father (+), <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d of the Son <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d of the Holy Spirit: (+), Amen.<br />
<i>Immediately is sung the Troparion <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d Kontakion of the Saint limned on the <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span>, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d we all reverence <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d kiss the all pure <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">Icon</span>. Then follows the little Apolysis including the name of the Saint.</i><br />
<div class="section_title">Prayer When One is to Take Up Abode in a New House</div><b>Priest:</b> <br />
Let us pray to the Lord.<br />
<b>Ch<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ter:</b><br />
Kyrie eleison.<br />
<b>Priest:</b> <br />
O God our Savior, Who did deign to enter under the roof of Zacchaeus, unto salvation of the same <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d of all that were in the house;<br />
Do you, the same Lord, keep safe also from harm them who now desire to dwell here,<br />
<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">An</span>d who, together with us unworthy ones, do offer unto You prayer <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d supplication:<br />
Bless this (+) their home <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d dwelling, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d preserve their life free from all adversity;<br />
For unto You are due all glory, honor <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d worship, as also unto Your Eternal Father, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d Your All Holy, Good <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d life-creating Spirit; both now <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d ever, <span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>d unto ages of ages:<br />
<b>Ch<span class="highlightedSearchTerm">an</span>ter:</b><br />
Amen.<br />
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Several sources had this same service, I copied this one from <a href="http://www.goarch.org/chapel/liturgical_texts/icon_blessing">http://www.goarch.org/chapel/liturgical_texts/icon_blessing</a><br />
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<i>I have not had my icon blessed. I may do this, but likely not in an Orthodox Church, as I am not Orthodox. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-47462613901896966182010-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:002010-11-30T22:32:55.934-08:00Angels and OrthodoxyAngels play a significant role in the Orthodox Church. More specifically, Archangels do. The icon I chose to recreate is of the Archangel Gabriel. Earlier I touched on why I chose Gabriel as a subject, now I would like to focus on his role and significance in Orthodoxy specifically. To do this, I think a bried discussion of angels in general is needed.<br />
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Angels are "Incorporeal Powers" as they are without physical bodies. They are also called "Spirits," "Minds," "Heavenly Beings," and or "Powers." The Church divides the angels into nine orders. The nine orders are categorized into hierarchies, which are ranked highest to lowest. The chart below outlines this.<br />
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The Highest Hieracrchy<br />
Seraphim<br />
Cherubim<br />
Thrones<br />
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Middle Hierarchy<br />
Dominions<br />
Powers<br />
Authorities<br />
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Lowest Hierarchy<br />
Principalities<br />
Archangels<br />
Angels<br />
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Within each hierarchy, there is also a ranking from highest to lowest. The hierarchies are essentially ranked according to proximity to God. The highest angel is known to be with God specifically and only, the lowest angels serve as messengers and soldiers of God, thus having contact with man.<br />
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There is a also a category of fallen angels, those who have fallen away from God. In iconography, these are depicted as black, faceless, small figures.<br />
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Of the hierarchies outlined above, only about a third are depicted in Orthodox iconography. Seraphim are found in the Hagia Sophia, below the base of the dome. Seraphim are shown with having six wings, often with a pair covering either their feet and/or their face. Cherubim, who are known to have four faces (that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle) and four wings are painted having a human face. Archangels and Angels are the last two orders of angels which are depicted in iconography. Of these only Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are mentioned by name in the Bible. Michael and Gabriel hold a special place in Orthodoxy.<br />
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In fact, the Orthodox Church has a feast day celebrating all angels, but which mentions specifically Michael and Gabriel. Each November 8th is the "Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the Rest of the Holy Incorporeal and Heavenly Powers." Michael and Gabriel are also given their own feast days, September 6 for Michael and March 26 and July 13 for Gabriel. March 26 is the original day celebrating Gabriel as it is the day after the feast of the Annunciation(Gabriel announcing to Mary that she is carrying Christ). It was later changed to July 13in some churches as the original date March date fell within Lent, a time of fasting.<br />
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As evidenced by the icon I painted, angels and and archangels are shown wearing tunics and robes, or mantles. Gabriel is typically dressed in blue or white. The original icon from which I copied my icon had him dressed in a pale green tunic with a pale goal mantle. Gabriel is also often shown holding a lily, a trumpet, or a lantern. These items signify Gabriel as God's intercessor and messenger, bringing the news of man's salvation.Angels are often shown holding a staff, which represents the authority given to them by God. Sometimes they are shown holding a disk with an "X" marked on it, the "X" representing Christ. In the icon I painted Gabriel's right hand is raised in supplication, this is seen often in iconography. An interesting fact about Byzantine Iconography is that angels are always represented as men, albeit beardless, and never as children or babies. as we often seen in other religious paintings. Archangels are shown having two wings, as Gabriel is in my icon, although in scripture they are seen without them. The wings thus take on a symbolic meaning, representing their heavenly role.<br />
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Within the Orthodox Church icons Michael and Gabriel are often painted on the side doors of the templon, Michael to the north, Gabriel in the south.The middle of the iconostasis of a Byzantine Church,called the Beautiful Gate; is where one often finds an icon of the Annunciation. In addition, icons of the Virgin are often flanked on either side by Archangels Michael and Gabriel.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-3111492705981358712010-11-30T16:07:00.000-08:002010-11-30T16:07:01.786-08:00The Significance of Color in Byzantine IconographyEvery aspect of writing an icon in a ritual infused with meaning. Not the east of this is the choice in paint/pigment color. As I have mentioned earlier the red bole applied before gilding represents the earth and man; the gold God's breath and Divine Light.<br />
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Often those represented in icons are shown wearing specific color; Mary, Christ's mother often in blue, Christ in red. The significance of this is not to be overlooked; instead it is to read by the viewer.<br />
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The following are list of colors and their significance in Byzantine Iconography:<br />
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PURPLE: Often a color of royalty, as purple is a hard to acquire color, this color also represents the Kingdom of God.<br />
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RED: Used to represent humanity; Christ is shown in red as a reminder of his human nature. Red also symbolized blood, and earth.<br />
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BLUE: Symbolizes the God's Kingdom not on earth. Christ is often shown wearing a blue robe over a red tunic, thus expressing his dual nature. Mary as well is often shown wearing blue underneath a red cloak, symbolizing her Heavenly role and earthy existence.<br />
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WHITE: Typically represents purity and divinity. It is seen on angels, babies, and the shroud of the dead. Christ after is death is shown in white as well. <br />
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GREEN: Reprsents the earth, youth, and hope. The Archangel Gabriel in the icon I chose is seen wearing pale green which I believe represents the hope of the messages he delivers.<br />
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BROWN: Symbolizes man's earthly nature.<br />
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BLACK: Generally represents evil. The fallen angels are painted in black with very few distinguishing features.<br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-35505670980272269692010-11-30T15:34:00.000-08:002010-11-30T18:32:09.238-08:00TA DA!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmtTkYRI_t6ttN9jhm86ahWfnGOPtIj5YPZ1C16i6agI5CupYjpNC6dpfe9aLBi5abO2lpaJb4H3vxtYM5hy-HWZLxot859nr7LPBXRcQgoZegf2zJB_7C_VH4mxxoeSDxhY61fr_w5w/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmtTkYRI_t6ttN9jhm86ahWfnGOPtIj5YPZ1C16i6agI5CupYjpNC6dpfe9aLBi5abO2lpaJb4H3vxtYM5hy-HWZLxot859nr7LPBXRcQgoZegf2zJB_7C_VH4mxxoeSDxhY61fr_w5w/s640/IMG_2852.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The Completed Icon..............in acrylicUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-40188042306237068292010-11-30T15:30:00.000-08:002010-11-30T15:30:44.831-08:00The Finishing Touches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPILMvKmEKy6wQTebDAY3FGDdUKXHlv-MLTD-5WXw6Z2CU_E8W2xxrpHr5D4CjNYwJBfoSxITeFFJ7e0ABcmju4wjnyJmzVv1D9hkrIJOB6B1sFRFFXg7tV6lsUyxkE_8MRVk-8Rotb4/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPILMvKmEKy6wQTebDAY3FGDdUKXHlv-MLTD-5WXw6Z2CU_E8W2xxrpHr5D4CjNYwJBfoSxITeFFJ7e0ABcmju4wjnyJmzVv1D9hkrIJOB6B1sFRFFXg7tV6lsUyxkE_8MRVk-8Rotb4/s320/IMG_2845.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDITbDxAeXGYVbpxRWQ5R4h2IKYgq3M8lhD10pQEoN4vfXwLw14a7dxurrh3SaVyhgs-kJWMKAv3sFY9b7PaIuiS-qcsxEZKJMR-xgj08icYgfZCytqZI0MFYrcT5Q_xZw2-nmzOR-dA/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDITbDxAeXGYVbpxRWQ5R4h2IKYgq3M8lhD10pQEoN4vfXwLw14a7dxurrh3SaVyhgs-kJWMKAv3sFY9b7PaIuiS-qcsxEZKJMR-xgj08icYgfZCytqZI0MFYrcT5Q_xZw2-nmzOR-dA/s320/IMG_2847.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTbO5gFEG_l7lATcJzb1w5hwG1ZJXcYWdLZ7Fx1mFqQxHwtokvYD-zSiHWckDqpnGvkUugFzS0CsLzUTTTO15N2qfvtv8E8gUt1iBLr1M5KdGVFYeQMhuDBO6az5mDlsKshh0z4sdK6o/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTbO5gFEG_l7lATcJzb1w5hwG1ZJXcYWdLZ7Fx1mFqQxHwtokvYD-zSiHWckDqpnGvkUugFzS0CsLzUTTTO15N2qfvtv8E8gUt1iBLr1M5KdGVFYeQMhuDBO6az5mDlsKshh0z4sdK6o/s320/IMG_2848.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BYUuesyQ-LnPLxaQgSKfP1rLt9x2NAm9xay9cAd9EfR59MKZIOFrQkvK1IAk9IBefo_Z4JB7cf3JJeF8XQKn0mSPuHJ0f-_Hfz6uzW-vC-fwU1vS72j8ioY9v1LnE7YuOCDINUSQQrY/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BYUuesyQ-LnPLxaQgSKfP1rLt9x2NAm9xay9cAd9EfR59MKZIOFrQkvK1IAk9IBefo_Z4JB7cf3JJeF8XQKn0mSPuHJ0f-_Hfz6uzW-vC-fwU1vS72j8ioY9v1LnE7YuOCDINUSQQrY/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-28692056470920101892010-11-30T15:21:00.000-08:002010-12-05T16:57:39.171-08:00LessonsI've completed the icon. I must admit, I gave up on the tempera icon. I need more time to understand the medium. I can say that I have learned much from the process. I did keep the icon, although every time I look at it I am disappointed.<br />
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I am most disappointed in that I wasn't able to complete the icon entirely by traditional means. Some of the things I was unable to do and changed for my acrylic icon are the following...<br />
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1. Gilding: Traditionally gold leaf is applied to parts on the icon, typically the background, or around the halo. The area to be gilded is prepped first with red bole, a reddish clay. Symbolically this red underlay represents the literal earth from which humanity has risen. <br />
The gold leaf represent "God's breath," breathing life in to the clay, into man. The gold also represents heavenly light.<br />
Not all icons use gold leaf. Halos on icons have been painted in different colors, yellow, red, and even green. I used 'fine gold' acrylic for mine.<br />
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2. Highlights: While I did highlight my piece, it did not have the effect I was aiming for. Highlighting the icon, as all aspects of writing an icon, has symbolic meaning. There are two highlights. The first highlight represents the "light of nature" or natural light. This light comes from the side and above. This highlight is slightly lighter than the colors that you have been painting with, and is layered thinly over 3/4 of the piece. It must be mentioned that the icon, especially the flesh tones, is made up of many layers of paint. The second highlight, called Anthropos, represents human intellect and culture; it covers about 1/2 of the previously painted highlight. The third highlight, Theocasm, represents angelic light. This last highlight is brighter and more specifically placed.<br />
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3. Olifa: When the icon is finished, using tempera, it then is set aside in a dust free place for two to three weeks to cure. Then olifa, a blend of two kinds of linseed oil, is applied to surface to create a finish. Before applying the oil, the icongrapher makes a sign of the cross on themselves, then over the icon and then pours the oil onto the icon in the shape of a cross. The oil is then sperad by hand evenly across the surface, including the sides. The icon then sets for three hours, and then the oil is wiped off with a paper towel. You repeat the wiping process over the course of the next several hours until no more oil can be removed. The icon then dries for the next 3 to 10 days.<br />
As I painted in acrylic, I used a gloss finish on my icon, saving the drying wait. <br />
It is interesting to note that olifa is used as it makes the surface area of the icon "kissable" and "touchable." One can reapply olifa as needed.<br />
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<span class="text"><b><span style="color: #000066; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: #000066; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="text"><b><span style="color: #000066; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"> </span></span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="color: #000066; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"> </span></span></b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-86619938078474167172010-11-29T18:09:00.000-08:002010-11-29T18:09:45.447-08:00An Icon in the MakingAt last, I am feeling somewhat successful. Albeit, I switched to acrylic. I have two icons now...tempera and acrylic. I need more than a semester figure out how to paint using tempera. I can say I've learned a lot, unfortunately, not enough for my work to show it yet.<br />
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Below are the latest pictures of the acrylic piece..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85ay836bfqtu755lBrEf1ELI-6rdHdc5TcZXv8QbrUSDdco-kSgfdSRbRKRQOII_Oj5ZH2kUkItA8ZzVNuzkrB2kj25cIlUbZ83nKhKxVYTcNSx9Bs3x5aSMASrOP9SbeIKVSjpsJ960/s1600/IMG_2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85ay836bfqtu755lBrEf1ELI-6rdHdc5TcZXv8QbrUSDdco-kSgfdSRbRKRQOII_Oj5ZH2kUkItA8ZzVNuzkrB2kj25cIlUbZ83nKhKxVYTcNSx9Bs3x5aSMASrOP9SbeIKVSjpsJ960/s320/IMG_2842.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-10145875510993145412010-11-28T18:34:00.000-08:002010-11-29T18:05:06.076-08:00The Other Icon...Here are some photos of the icon I am painting using acrylic paints. This is going better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV52p3-eHziUl0h4FvFpxdrC6-LYQ4HfQvyV-gO8c_PT3-UMj_62Z7dU6Z8NbgcU7Yc0DFWP9Uzgq81hbk8U63ereANPoVTG6193IQp5LBgeAG4vHbe-lHTaxbK0glUteOYOKVHEDJVY/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV52p3-eHziUl0h4FvFpxdrC6-LYQ4HfQvyV-gO8c_PT3-UMj_62Z7dU6Z8NbgcU7Yc0DFWP9Uzgq81hbk8U63ereANPoVTG6193IQp5LBgeAG4vHbe-lHTaxbK0glUteOYOKVHEDJVY/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-79384451051296279302010-11-27T17:27:00.000-08:002010-11-27T17:27:10.576-08:00Still having Trouble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhVegwO6wsIwijizJ7yQ7CJgOG1GTV_QEC9J5ENveqI8T8y04gc2HGAGiFPMaDDaIq8daO-6Uryd1hJt9E4FMLg0uMqaT_81BcbQFM0v9xXuUKGSbziiJyBq3XWuYi-355TPUVg2Vo_U/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhVegwO6wsIwijizJ7yQ7CJgOG1GTV_QEC9J5ENveqI8T8y04gc2HGAGiFPMaDDaIq8daO-6Uryd1hJt9E4FMLg0uMqaT_81BcbQFM0v9xXuUKGSbziiJyBq3XWuYi-355TPUVg2Vo_U/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPZLcGKkrxDzXhrUncrFNw2ohQvGWsEb_nXeweHAZhT0F3AvSCAPo3OIc2aprCR8y3CNcadgcxZencvg38WG3lo8btMpX1vL_WUtP2O7qWGTxOvNq9UfW68gvRCNVkCL899-wbHm2leo/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPZLcGKkrxDzXhrUncrFNw2ohQvGWsEb_nXeweHAZhT0F3AvSCAPo3OIc2aprCR8y3CNcadgcxZencvg38WG3lo8btMpX1vL_WUtP2O7qWGTxOvNq9UfW68gvRCNVkCL899-wbHm2leo/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This is so much harder than I ever imagined. The face is still hard to get right; as evidence by picture three I sanded the face again. I almost gave up, it just looks poorly done and my efforts are not represented in the outcome. I am still working on the acrylic piece at the same time, hoping that will come out a little better.<br />
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I also decided to forgo the gilding. Cost and the fact that I am dissatisfied with my piece thus far have me questioning the expense of the the gold gilt. Instead, I opted to paint the background gold.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-43868226189880974632010-11-26T21:47:00.000-08:002010-11-27T17:19:45.332-08:00Icon ReduxI sanded more...learning so much. Wish I had learned it sooner. My tempera is much better; hardly any water. I read a recipe that called for the dry pigment to be added directly to the egg yolk. I must say this was much better.<br />
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Images of my progress..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE_UNQLUWMwiSScz9D2fFxe_iQzeF7zWrs2nyunT-9caZtw8egE_i2WsGPMj72aCSSP4aY_9h-bwLJ8KQ09KhRXqfni8mF5smEW9Jtw0t_aQgoCl9h1SRnVk22tsEXW_7NC3I7L24-bI/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE_UNQLUWMwiSScz9D2fFxe_iQzeF7zWrs2nyunT-9caZtw8egE_i2WsGPMj72aCSSP4aY_9h-bwLJ8KQ09KhRXqfni8mF5smEW9Jtw0t_aQgoCl9h1SRnVk22tsEXW_7NC3I7L24-bI/s320/IMG_2826.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-55933915678148501902010-11-25T12:21:00.000-08:002010-11-29T18:13:15.864-08:00A Tale of Two Icons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWhnAzwYyd6Brk4cPphXNDEulUWkWqbMS4Qh2sTR7ee1m8xCAJFYcblsga67Ax-1lH3XR3BWSTqG2G9SmTqifb-v_tcfiSj6Y7-Qx2DW-9T8sMFmps05qqcjzG7R-6ZTf3Vf96jshpMY/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWhnAzwYyd6Brk4cPphXNDEulUWkWqbMS4Qh2sTR7ee1m8xCAJFYcblsga67Ax-1lH3XR3BWSTqG2G9SmTqifb-v_tcfiSj6Y7-Qx2DW-9T8sMFmps05qqcjzG7R-6ZTf3Vf96jshpMY/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> I call this one "iconoclasm"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZCmyrp8onuNdiVbBapHoolqNp-2Boqrh3uiSb2IqYO81SxOyzS6vJcBMB1t86bPgPobHjuD1b_VRwVWsgRMEtGvqhymZo1Ac4AaLHRcOyQEJ2NQn_JgVH302YWNphzp2Aru7IwIsFag/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZCmyrp8onuNdiVbBapHoolqNp-2Boqrh3uiSb2IqYO81SxOyzS6vJcBMB1t86bPgPobHjuD1b_VRwVWsgRMEtGvqhymZo1Ac4AaLHRcOyQEJ2NQn_JgVH302YWNphzp2Aru7IwIsFag/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I can only start over. A revisit to my tempera recipe and the comment of a reader made me realize something was wrong. My tempera SHOULD be drying quickly, not slowly....aaaaaahhhhhh. What else to do, but start over. <br />
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The upper icon with the sanded face and wings is my original tempera icon. Sometimes it it just best to start over. So I've sanded the worst parts and will readjust my tempera and see how it goes. It just can't be any worse. Right?<br />
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the bottom is my second, acrylic icon in process. I'm working on them at the same time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-77216686831824258102010-11-25T10:12:00.000-08:002010-12-05T16:59:30.370-08:00Latest Pictures and some news on Gilding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnry8pzI0k8bafPqEWpGTRTUxML-siXCNjgMSHYjscXug72dKotTiWAW75zXb8Iycd5SmBlBE829DdiStAVnhLGlbm1dV_lNkwtj4hAv_tPbq96GJkhhU14gu6EwQMhqNDeymm8L7fv7M/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnry8pzI0k8bafPqEWpGTRTUxML-siXCNjgMSHYjscXug72dKotTiWAW75zXb8Iycd5SmBlBE829DdiStAVnhLGlbm1dV_lNkwtj4hAv_tPbq96GJkhhU14gu6EwQMhqNDeymm8L7fv7M/s320/IMG_2812.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I am really not pleased with the blotchiness of the application. I am painstakingly touching up things, working hard to even out he skins tones...have I mentioned tempera has been a difficult medium for for me? I have, haven't I?<br />
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I've held off on the gilding(the application of gold, or other metal, to the surface of the icon) until the end per the advice of the iconographers at the Iconography Institute. According to my artist's manual, gilding actually happens at the beginning. But the iconographers I talked to said it's just too easy to drip paint, scratch, or otherwise ruin the gilt when it is put on at the start. Best to wait until the end, less to go wrong...we'll see.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-81472047527851093682010-11-24T23:49:00.000-08:002010-11-25T10:00:15.630-08:00Plan BI'm still working on the traditional icon, but I've decided to attempt one using acrylic paint as well. I'm just not pleased with the results of the tempera. I have never used tempera before and have been struggling. We'll see if the acrylic fares better.<br />
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The newly gesso'd board.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPZXhzMosiGGdMMToCCpEMtdsnf9xMDkvFW_bZ9zdgFaqkZJqIZ_h0Vvbk_LNlIzvkn1-OjSLQSQOVOAuPfJvxahiYrV8yPZcchI5twa6Qva20gsGGimsA1avuLdJZ3uZnNJtp7UQ4Z0/s1600/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPZXhzMosiGGdMMToCCpEMtdsnf9xMDkvFW_bZ9zdgFaqkZJqIZ_h0Vvbk_LNlIzvkn1-OjSLQSQOVOAuPfJvxahiYrV8yPZcchI5twa6Qva20gsGGimsA1avuLdJZ3uZnNJtp7UQ4Z0/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The outline of the icon </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcksVFp1D6cMYeVF7SgbHpBGXdxZyVCHiOqLVU2RMSw083sK_5ypoK2SKrm9ohfZz8tw6s2Z8OJx3qHAOsy7J1vrAKaAVM2F4QT6Ut10TBle2Xu3PsRFHiREGAkFUxIeo-qiOPz4n1_F0/s1600/IMG_2814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcksVFp1D6cMYeVF7SgbHpBGXdxZyVCHiOqLVU2RMSw083sK_5ypoK2SKrm9ohfZz8tw6s2Z8OJx3qHAOsy7J1vrAKaAVM2F4QT6Ut10TBle2Xu3PsRFHiREGAkFUxIeo-qiOPz4n1_F0/s320/IMG_2814.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Beginning the underpainting<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs6IpYRJkzBKF8SVhOyYh3Bsh_WrbONqfV2XngtNX9QJMj9uPCb808oEIMdQWIhOthwkxjIeR4VSuM7O6nuGp0Gi7qwUqTKpu5J2pODmeCSc583PwdN_4ixjpf-JagpnGEaqRuSa0W8o/s1600/IMG_2817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs6IpYRJkzBKF8SVhOyYh3Bsh_WrbONqfV2XngtNX9QJMj9uPCb808oEIMdQWIhOthwkxjIeR4VSuM7O6nuGp0Gi7qwUqTKpu5J2pODmeCSc583PwdN_4ixjpf-JagpnGEaqRuSa0W8o/s320/IMG_2817.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-61943734209774370502010-11-24T13:33:00.000-08:002010-12-05T17:00:48.261-08:00Have I mentioned that I've never painted with tempera before...The learning curve for icon painting is a slow up hill climb.<br />
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Things I wish I'd know beforehand, in no particular order...<br />
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1. There's a reason no one paints with egg yolks anymore.<br />
2. Tempera takes a long time to dry.<br />
3. Acrylic paint is the the Holy Grail of paint, too bad I'm not using it.<br />
4. Tempera takes a long time to dry; yes I know I've already mentioned it.<br />
5. There's a reason icon writers pray before starting their piece.<br />
6. Tempera paint is very hard to work with; if the order mattered, this would be number one.<br />
7. I'm feeling guilty for not being Catholic anymore and for never having been Orthodox.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pictures of my process and progress<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMlymwyKn7LlqtC15QFXmJ-3Vh4us5sOFxJwCginMW5fcsO2zhUF0r-wYB7xdHtz44pzpzAumoTcBCtRbgIBihQ6G0u2_vjNVxe2oTokp87pkr_2O5Y_apihH9T7vpEMX1VYuNRAOeZk/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMlymwyKn7LlqtC15QFXmJ-3Vh4us5sOFxJwCginMW5fcsO2zhUF0r-wYB7xdHtz44pzpzAumoTcBCtRbgIBihQ6G0u2_vjNVxe2oTokp87pkr_2O5Y_apihH9T7vpEMX1VYuNRAOeZk/s320/IMG_2806.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Tempera<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmbrCKHGhOglwaDGONeZdO7KTjYRm9YivpixCAMjaOqIBq02aIY5LtBuwiY09LN4zxShfZgZ2ylsHd8y66gxCIKRnwIPtUJLl75orVKWBD-SqwC3VASaW3iPyw8RquJfelPU14iCr30U/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmbrCKHGhOglwaDGONeZdO7KTjYRm9YivpixCAMjaOqIBq02aIY5LtBuwiY09LN4zxShfZgZ2ylsHd8y66gxCIKRnwIPtUJLl75orVKWBD-SqwC3VASaW3iPyw8RquJfelPU14iCr30U/s320/IMG_2811.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-58519048027129493022010-11-07T14:43:00.000-08:002010-11-11T14:51:01.328-08:00The Underpainting...and tempera paintMy first attempt at painting with tempera. I must say, it was a struggle to find the powered tempera. I was fortunate to have inherited some tempera, but I needed to purchase some more especially for the underpainting. Once the icon image is transferred to the prepared board, one paints the entire board in various values of a an earthy green color. This underpainting is important for the creation of the lifelike hues needed for the flesh.<br />
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To create the tempera I consulted several sources. Recipes varied a little, so I opted for the simplest one. Part one required the acquisition of egg yolk. The yolk and white of one egg were separated. The membrane of the separated yolk was then pricked so that just yolk, and no membrane, could be retrieved. To this yolk an equal amount of water was added.<br />
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Next I donned a breathing mask, measured about 1/2 tsp of 'earth green' tempera and mixed this as well with an equal amount of water in a separate vessel. I then combined equal parts of the pigment mixture with the egg mixture to make my tempera.<br />
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I then carefully underpainted the entire surface of my icon, save for the area I hope to gild. Pictures of the process follow...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM1IrLe4hmAodL755rUy5dPW6s-y2E_USynV1xF2JWl8glvkJHzvOf-ExcLAImXBnjRwlaiXbs9-ItxvAM1Y5E2ft-L8Xo0k7cQKUgMkylS_-LR84-TtSDFULfX0eI95xq8Y3kXH0kjg/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM1IrLe4hmAodL755rUy5dPW6s-y2E_USynV1xF2JWl8glvkJHzvOf-ExcLAImXBnjRwlaiXbs9-ItxvAM1Y5E2ft-L8Xo0k7cQKUgMkylS_-LR84-TtSDFULfX0eI95xq8Y3kXH0kjg/s320/IMG_2785.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Yolk separated<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_vTmiJgxB_rf1CZr8tms7GEefqShyphenhyphenkUTdZzIBiI81H37H02qbnu6QwUFxrjznbyQSJRp-1rWY3bo4O2loq4mPYSjseHYMIfbTzRGLy4h_07OffCUpz_Ccd3NUEDrnPEzrR61pl_mSM8/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_vTmiJgxB_rf1CZr8tms7GEefqShyphenhyphenkUTdZzIBiI81H37H02qbnu6QwUFxrjznbyQSJRp-1rWY3bo4O2loq4mPYSjseHYMIfbTzRGLy4h_07OffCUpz_Ccd3NUEDrnPEzrR61pl_mSM8/s320/IMG_2786.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Yolk and prepared pigment<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc1vkqzFGUFVwah0e-H1Gglo1iUNfxITTKNgl9SfA2AZhng7dFzr9x4XY0RvhDk_LQhk-1tgW0sDRjbHGG7kDaMkoBfCwX6F9x1NBHCLQvwQtpNMA33Nn-oSkfIP0WSb-RUiK-jCUjRE/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc1vkqzFGUFVwah0e-H1Gglo1iUNfxITTKNgl9SfA2AZhng7dFzr9x4XY0RvhDk_LQhk-1tgW0sDRjbHGG7kDaMkoBfCwX6F9x1NBHCLQvwQtpNMA33Nn-oSkfIP0WSb-RUiK-jCUjRE/s320/IMG_2787.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Tempera for underpainting<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-EdHWYJglmAnz2ijumMT4Wjh6sPiTn2bcbVYbucyy-su70o6ei8-fg-I-WFcAS5Yq8QnoEXPF_I-CODVwQvy3cPVphROC9AOJ5TVO4AUsqohEZtC6tW9fX819cuHP-HIvJ4TW-STtbI/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-EdHWYJglmAnz2ijumMT4Wjh6sPiTn2bcbVYbucyy-su70o6ei8-fg-I-WFcAS5Yq8QnoEXPF_I-CODVwQvy3cPVphROC9AOJ5TVO4AUsqohEZtC6tW9fX819cuHP-HIvJ4TW-STtbI/s320/IMG_2788.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Underpainting begins<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDowFMLA2AsQiaiZg2FMBz4quS-1W1WNegQvpfG01xBBUB2YbwaNJO_te7fKlYNVMTWiUMajQmMqBGX4HkvhoMdHGfSvuIuF-TUKXop6f0whxjmQBaGYvs4JalC64zPlqbVVV_Zm3UmIE/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDowFMLA2AsQiaiZg2FMBz4quS-1W1WNegQvpfG01xBBUB2YbwaNJO_te7fKlYNVMTWiUMajQmMqBGX4HkvhoMdHGfSvuIuF-TUKXop6f0whxjmQBaGYvs4JalC64zPlqbVVV_Zm3UmIE/s320/IMG_2796.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-80294530340490637352010-11-07T14:24:00.000-08:002010-11-07T14:24:00.655-08:00Transferring the Image<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszvK98RVlD-E6W0RQ0_v9_RwqGROigKQnW_Alj8g3sn4W2RFrjkFRubLqZ_sq3Bt6gUZtCMkSJtK-FQ9lVbFiKQtfHYP7Q1KuKhF39Rt6sxKOvVyzbLaB3OKxbqt76Hr0wQ4mk1kgkP0/s1600/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I have spent the better part of two weeks gathering the supplies and preparing my board for my icon. Today I set out to copy the "cartoon" of the icon my board. I photocopied a picture of my icon to fit the dimensions of my board, and then charcoaled the back of it so that I could place the image on the board and essentially trace it. This is traditionally how it is done, although it feels 'plagaristic.' However, the image on an icon above all else must be recognizable, without creative input from the writer. So the icon is copied.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszvK98RVlD-E6W0RQ0_v9_RwqGROigKQnW_Alj8g3sn4W2RFrjkFRubLqZ_sq3Bt6gUZtCMkSJtK-FQ9lVbFiKQtfHYP7Q1KuKhF39Rt6sxKOvVyzbLaB3OKxbqt76Hr0wQ4mk1kgkP0/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" width="320" /></div> Preparing to trace the icon<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdi4b9RXj0Yhbg86sB6_hQj0sgCBMvTecJRa9-vvnCssokkxLA4z_G3MPRTUNCd1tMQA8a4uZhUOgwstmvZhaXfgAAtZLWmUxAKd7dEvWilqdqobGOaMYn4e7ICMpH_n7KD9zY3GC7588/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdi4b9RXj0Yhbg86sB6_hQj0sgCBMvTecJRa9-vvnCssokkxLA4z_G3MPRTUNCd1tMQA8a4uZhUOgwstmvZhaXfgAAtZLWmUxAKd7dEvWilqdqobGOaMYn4e7ICMpH_n7KD9zY3GC7588/s320/IMG_2780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The back of the cartoon is charcoaled.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EIdl32heUXHvB4B69s7W4Wq6LTS7Y__m3JTfB9U0yoISLECYXYoQFsfbYOp8pCrrrNeWaGVJVZJVlDBOTFYtnGFz9f48C4fd9vukLSQGQaIi4BYstHH2TxfyKa7vHveR7uGG3hXz9OM/s1600/IMG_2781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EIdl32heUXHvB4B69s7W4Wq6LTS7Y__m3JTfB9U0yoISLECYXYoQFsfbYOp8pCrrrNeWaGVJVZJVlDBOTFYtnGFz9f48C4fd9vukLSQGQaIi4BYstHH2TxfyKa7vHveR7uGG3hXz9OM/s320/IMG_2781.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> The image is transferred to my board.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-86495462547468037622010-11-07T14:19:00.000-08:002010-11-30T19:37:20.426-08:00Contemplation and Archangel GabrielAs I set out to paint, I realized that if I am to follow the path of an icon writer, I needed to pray. Having been raised Catholic, prayer is not unfamiliar me. Today, I would not consider myself Catholic, and I would say that I meditate rather than pray. But I can, and will pray. As I read the <i>Rules for the Icon Painter</i>, I recognized that I needed to understand better who Gabriel, the Archangel, is.<br />
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Perhaps I should mention first why I chosen the icon that I did. Very simply, I like angels. I knew I was going to paint an icon of an angel and I chose Gabriel for several reasons. First, I find it interesting that Archangel Gabriel is important in many different faiths. To Christians he is known as the angel who announced to Mary that he was carrying the Christ child and in Islam he is credited with delivering the Quran to Mohammed. Gabriel is God's messenger...plain and simple, he works for no one else.<br />
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Some interesting facts about Gabriel. The Feast days for Gabriel is March 26th and the July 16th. The first is original feast day,which follows the Feast of the Annunciation, when Gabriel announced to Mary that she was carrying the Christ child. The second date is a newer feast day adopted by some churches as the original feast day falls during Lent, a time of fasting and not conducive to feast days. Gabriel is the bearer of God's messages, and as such is the Patron Saint of Communication and postal workers. He is one of the two highest ranking angels, and is considered to be seated at God's left side. In addition to being God's messenger, he is the archangel of annunciation, humanity, mercy, vengeance, truth, hope, revelation, and death.<br />
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The name Gabriel means "Man of God." He appears in the Bible many times; first in the Old Testament when he announces to Daniel the prophecy of seventy weeks, which foretold the timing of important events to come for the people of Israel. He was the angel who buried Moses and it was also Gabriel who announced the birth of John the Baptist, in addition to Christ.<br />
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Gabriel is assigned the task of selecting souls from heaven to be born into the earthly world. It is said the he spends the nine months in the womb with the developing child preparing him/her for their life on earth. When the child is born, Gabriel presses his fingers to the child's lips, at once preventing the child from sharing what Gabriel has taught him/her and creating the cleft found below a person's nose.<br />
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Gabriel's symbols are the lily and the trumpet. Gabriel is expected to blow this trumpet to announce the second coming of Christ.<br />
<span style="color: #333300; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-60794029839373663082010-10-24T19:52:00.000-07:002010-11-07T13:57:36.206-08:00The Beginning...the Gesso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-HjKLHm3UfWXNU5p7Ji9OF4xw5855yU5Cj0RY-v_Hxdacwk8vAGC43K2p08-zqFCVuLY4s0a6I_R6Vr54SsoKrhHObakNRVIAF4QCjKOt33fSSwm7GMiYjvUA3aZ0q7E2ZeWuIUNGwY/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I purchased pine board and cut the wood into a 7.5 X 10 inch panel. Following the directions from "The Painter's Manual" I set about making a traditional gesso to paint on the boards. Using rabbit skin glue and calcium carbonate ( powdered marble) I made a large batch of gesso and applied several thin layers, waiting for each layer to dry before the next layer was applied. When the board was sufficiently covered and dry, I gently sanded it down removing any bubble marks and general uneveness</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6DiJ5bAPkkeIXhKDm4Qod1REw6uwEDqh2zQJSqF4ftPAIOGvfSMmWSI6e6MIwyPks1J2IdC_Upx6FoP4e_Bw_G7_ayuMrjqTHYkjEYPdJ2U3LnSxbyxIyygopxERJt1B7ZZZ-MoewoQ/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6DiJ5bAPkkeIXhKDm4Qod1REw6uwEDqh2zQJSqF4ftPAIOGvfSMmWSI6e6MIwyPks1J2IdC_Upx6FoP4e_Bw_G7_ayuMrjqTHYkjEYPdJ2U3LnSxbyxIyygopxERJt1B7ZZZ-MoewoQ/s320/IMG_2756.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Powered Marble<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjEhNx-cPKOwwXLKcO8ATTptRRyMt_exibcNp1N0MOQlfg_gMNFARQdIHJ28ghmHeieRz_cmse9PPxEuCB2WEppjyc4a4B2VWZMK4Y57hKbK1SAES7cJsxSRbgnNBBBWnWRpApG3jJCk/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjEhNx-cPKOwwXLKcO8ATTptRRyMt_exibcNp1N0MOQlfg_gMNFARQdIHJ28ghmHeieRz_cmse9PPxEuCB2WEppjyc4a4B2VWZMK4Y57hKbK1SAES7cJsxSRbgnNBBBWnWRpApG3jJCk/s320/IMG_2757.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> The Above Two Combined=Gesso<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZI5MJG-9tpzedqaf6r_zwPo0eJzP-d0S7ANg1BI4OchnMutSCCxmNpebLkxLh6Put0707CF8fGVVMgZfyv-i_4Spd-SG2PrJPwnpB5JaKRuGuHPF1bLG-cbGkqn-AnIHY5DRyC9r6cQ/s1600/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZI5MJG-9tpzedqaf6r_zwPo0eJzP-d0S7ANg1BI4OchnMutSCCxmNpebLkxLh6Put0707CF8fGVVMgZfyv-i_4Spd-SG2PrJPwnpB5JaKRuGuHPF1bLG-cbGkqn-AnIHY5DRyC9r6cQ/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Painted Board with picture of icon to be copied.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-9560166840904459282010-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:002010-10-23T12:28:41.150-07:00The Iconographer's PrayerThe writing of an icon is a contemplative practice. As an icon is used as a tool for worship, the process by which it is created is ritualistic. As such, before an icon is written, the artist prays and recalls the rules of writing an icon. They are as follows:<br />
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<b>Prayer Before Writing an Icon</b><br />
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Glory to Thee O God, Glory to Thee.<br />
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O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,<br />
Who art everywhere present and fillest all things,<br />
Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life,<br />
come and abide in us,<br />
and cleanse us from every impurity,<br />
and save our souls,<br />
O Good One.<br />
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Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal,<br />
have mercy on us.<br />
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal,<br />
have mercy on us.<br />
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal,<br />
have mercy on us.<br />
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Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.<br />
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All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.<br />
Lord, cleanse us of our sins.<br />
Master, pardon our iniquities.<br />
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name's sake.<br />
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Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.<br />
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Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.<br />
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Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.<br />
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O Divine Lord of all that exists, You have illuminated the Apostle and Evangelist Luke with Your Most Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent the Most Holy Mother, the one who held You in her arms and said: The Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread throughout the world. Enlighten and direct our souls, our hearts, and our spirits. Guide the hands of your unworthy servant so that we may worthily and perfectly portray Your Icon, that of Your Holy Mother, and of all the saints, for the glory, joy, and adornment of Your Holy Church.<br />
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Forigve our sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons, and who, standing devoutly before them, give homage to those they represent. Protect them from all evil and instruct them with good counsel. This we ask through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Apostle Luke, and all the saints, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.<br />
Amen.<br />
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<b>Rules for the Icon Painter</b><br />
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1. Before starting work, make the sign of the Cross; Pray in silence, & pardon your enemies.<br />
2. Work with care on every detail of your ikon, as if you were working in front of the Lord Himself.<br />
3. During work, pray in order to strengthen yourself physically and spiritually; avoid above all useless words and keep silence.<br />
4. Pray in particular to the Saint whose face you are painting. Keep your mind from distractions, and the Saint will be close to you.<br />
5. When you have to choose a color, stretch out your hands interiorly to the Lord & ask his counsel.<br />
6. Do not be jealous of your neighbor's work; his success is your success too.<br />
7. When your ikon is finished, thank God that His Mercy granted you the grace to paint the Holy Images.<br />
8. Have your ikon blessed by putting it on the altar. Be the first to pray before it, before giving it to others<br />
9. Never forget: The joy of spreading ikons in the world. the joy of the work of ikon-painting The joy of giving the Saint the possibility to shine through his ikon. The joy of being in union with the Saint whose face you are painting. (Unknown Origin)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058847621958834998.post-76874777832080929042010-10-23T12:15:00.000-07:002010-11-30T22:20:20.380-08:00The Writing of Icon<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have chosen to complete the art track assignment for research project assignment. I intend to recreate a the late Byzantine icon of Archangel Gabriel which is housed at the St. Catherine Monastery in Sinai, Egypt. (below) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qZHlh5e0aWniUPep_P2GaQGuvLU2XUKstfK31EJX3nLRb-4QEJxIZ6kSfZBBJOUwRsekKePNI5Y1aAyZzYU3F-MQvymKhPmIEIYsCtnuF55bwGJjwDoFRtADu3XomOt9I2rBuTXxmm0/s1600/byzant15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qZHlh5e0aWniUPep_P2GaQGuvLU2XUKstfK31EJX3nLRb-4QEJxIZ6kSfZBBJOUwRsekKePNI5Y1aAyZzYU3F-MQvymKhPmIEIYsCtnuF55bwGJjwDoFRtADu3XomOt9I2rBuTXxmm0/s320/byzant15.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The catalogue of the icons at St. Catherine's gives the following as a description of this icon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> "One of the masterpieces of Byzantine art, this icon shows the archangel Gabriel as a youth of extreme beauty. His graceful posture and harmonious gestures, along with the calmness of his face, are evocative of classical art.According to the eleventh-century writer Michael Psellos, a fillet such as that around the curly hair signified the purity, chastity and incorruptibility of the angels. Gabriel's function as a messenger is indicated by the walking staff he holds in his left hand, while makes a gesture of adoration and supplication with his right hand. This icon is undoubtedly part of larger group, probably forming a Deesis. It was not unusual for angels to part of Deesis ensembles. The Sinai Gabriel would have been paired with an icon of the archangel Michael, which is also located today in the bema of the basilica at the Monastery of Saint Catherine.The dating of the icon is problematic. It is very likely that the icon was painted in Sinai, but this cannot be confirmed. In any case, the high quality of the work indicates a greatly skilled and talented artist, trained in a major artistic center."(http://www.thecityreview.com/byzant.html)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must mention here that a Deesis, or Deisis, is an icon depicting Christ in Majesty or Christ Pantokrator, enthroned. He is shown carrying a book, the liturgy, with Mary and St. John the Baptist at his side. Often other saints and angels are included, all facing towards Christ their hands raised in supplication. This icon was likely part of a group of icons forming a Deesis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is my intention that whenever possible I will use traditional methods and material in the writing of my icon. An interesting note here is that is icon is "written" not "painted" and that one viewing an icon is said to "read" it. The terminology reinforces the the rules that icon writer must follow. An artist doesn't write an icon with a personal creative effort. Rather a set of rules, expectations, are followed. Everything included in an icon has meaning, and as such the icon is read, the viewer reading the images and understanding their symbolic meaning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will use <u>The 'Painter's Manual' of Dionysius of Fourna</u> as well as the Trinity Cathedral's Iconography Institute as sources for the physical recreation of the icon. Other research sources I am using are Constantine Cavarnos' Guide to Byzantine Iconography; Kurt Weitzman's contributions in <u>The Icon</u>, and <u>Likeness and Presence</u> by Hans Belting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will update this blog as I move through the process, sharing what I have learned along the way and will include photos of my work in progress. Note that blog entries will be viewed from most newest to oldest.</div><br />
Amended Bibliography<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i>The 'Painter's Manual' of Dionysius of Fourna.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Translated by Paul Hetherington. London: The Sagittarius Press, 1974.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Belting,Hans . <i>Likeness and Presence a History of the Image before the Era of Art.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1994.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cavarnos,Constantine. <i>Guide to Byzantine Iconography.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> II, Boston: Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 2001.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cavarnos,Constantine. <i>Orthodox Iconography.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Belmont: The Institute for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, 1977.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cormac,Robin. <i>Icons.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2007.</span></div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com