Icons

"Christian iconography, especially when it involves the representation of Christ, has its roots in the doctrine of the Incarnation. Just as a theologian expresses his belief through his thoughts and writings, the iconographer, through his art, expresses the living truth, the revelation belonging to the Church in the form of traditions. More than any other holy image, the Christ icon 'unembellished by human hand' embodies the dogmatic principle of iconography." (Father Daniel Rousseau) This work analyses the evolution of themes approached by the painters at the beginning of the Byzantine Period, through the principality of Kiev, until the era's conclusion under the Russian Empire. Throughout the text, the author demonstrates to us how, independently of ancient models of iconography, techniques and materials employed, whether wood, gold or tempera, the representation of godliness always reveals, in every era of history, a new expression of humanity.