ICONSICONSHow icons communicate How icons communicate with the viewer and take with the viewer and take

on a dualistic role in on a dualistic role in religionreligion

Sharon M. Fitzgerald, MASharon M. Fitzgerald, MA

Religious Icons have been under debate in the Christian church going back to the early middle Ages for a variety of reasons. What is not in debate now is the fact the icons have carved out an important place the religion and continue to serve a function which is vital to Christianity, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

One of the reasons they have been important is they are dualistic, and

provide a two-way communication. In a sense, they are conduits to communicate with God as they both send and receive prayers and messages. Some of these functions can be seen the functions of icons in the liturgy, the Templon screen and the private and public needs of the emerging Christian communities. In addition, icons continue to communicate and send messages to the viewer today through various alleged miraculous sightings and events.

Why Images? Who used them and why?Why Images? Who used them and why?

• In the early Medieval times the need to touch the Devine was answered by the cult of the saints, whose relics-then icons –suited the purpose.

• Icons were used in the home where the domestic patron saint were utilized to ward off every kind of danger.

• Their presence was also needed to allow people to address vows or thanks to a visible intercessor by placing flowers, candles or incense before it. Outside of the saint’s grave, the image was the vehicle in which to continue communications.

• It is interesting to note, the images met the same demands that were made on the saint when they were alive: to perform miracles and answer prayers.

• Icons were basically given roles to play in society. They were not merely objects of religious contemplation. They were used for very tangible purposes, to ward off evil to healing and the defense of the realm.

• In many cases, local saints were credited with more power then the local authority and this fueled the fire for Iconoclasm.

Definition, form and function of IconsDefinition, form and function of Icons

Virgin Eleousa Early 14 century Byzantine

• Icons (from the Greek eikones) are sacred images representing saints, Christ, and the Virgin, as well as narrative scenes such as Christ's Crucifixion. While today the term is most closely associated with wooden panel painting in icons could be crafted in all media, including marble, ivory, gemstone, precious metal, enamel, and mosaic.

Form and Function of Icons• Icons ranged in size from the miniature to

the monumental. Some were suspended around the neck as pendants, others called triptychs had panels on each side that could be closed for safe transport. Large panel paintings were mounted on a pole or frame and carried into battle. In Byzantine theology, icons allowed the viewer direct communication with the sacred figure’s represented and, through icons, an individual's mages prayers were addressed directly to the petitioned saint. Miraculous healings and good fortune were among the requests.

The Icons function in the liturgyThe Icons function in the liturgy • The term liturgy refers to the

rites and ceremonies prescribed by the Church for communal worship. The central focus of the liturgy is the Eucharist, in which Christians take consecrated wine and bread in commemoration of the Last Supper and Christ's death.

• While liturgical practices developed over several centuries and varied locally, the use of icons and liturgical objects such as the chalice remained indispensable and often richly decorated

The Icons usage in the Templon ScreenThe Icons usage in the Templon Screen

• Another way in which the icon was utilized during the liturgy was on the Templon screen which physically separates the naïve from the sanctuary in Orthodox churches. This separation also existed in Catholic churches until the Vatican changed it in the early 1960’s.

• With the icons placement on the screens, this meant they were the primary focus for the practitioners during the mass. By doing this the icons again took on a vital role and central to the ritual of the mass.

~ Icon from Sinai ~~ Icon from Sinai ~ St. John the Baptist with Scenes from His LifeSt. John the Baptist with Scenes from His Life

• We explored what icons are and who used them, now it’s time to examine how icons speak to the viewer.

• This icon has several special messages

for the viewer: Inscribed starting on top left: “…I beg you (says St. John) preserve those in life, who reverence my venerable icon”.

• And the epigram introduces those who venerate this icon into John’s prayer. In doing, the text call attention to the cult paid to this icon, identifying such cult practice as being beneficial to those who participate in it. Their eyewitness is thus accorded a value akin to John’s own.

• In another words, this icon both blesses the viewer (even in 2014) and compliments their devotion!

~Icon from Sinai~~Icon from Sinai~Mosaic Icon of the Virgin HodegetriaMosaic Icon of the Virgin Hodegetria

• This icon communicates some foreboding information to the viewer. Three elements that stand out:

• Christ is barefoot and by showing his feet we are to remember the impending crucifixion.

• The unusual blessing gesture (thumb to ring finger instead of last two digits)

• And finally, the psychological exchange between the two- she is not looking at us and his blessing hand is turned away from the viewer towards his mother as if he acknowledges the infinite magnitude of his mother’s future suffering.

Icons communicating in the flesh?Icons communicating in the flesh?

• Virgin of Damascus, Syria • Weeping Virgin

Icons communicate beyond the grave?Icons communicate beyond the grave?

• Lady of Fatima, France • Weeping mrrye

Icons continue to be an important Icons continue to be an important component of faithcomponent of faith

• St. Righteous Anna at Russian Orthodox church in Philly, PA

• Virgin Mary from Bangladeshi

Icons are here to stayIcons are here to stay

• Virgin of Musetesti, Romania

• The usage and continued existence of the Icon has been a source of debate since 726AD.

• Within both the private and public space, the Icon has carved out a place and function in religion to a degree that is amazing.

• Icons have always played a dualistic role: whereas they are vehicles to reach the Devine as well as receivers of messages fromthe Devine.

• Icons communicate through the Liturgy, text and depending on your belief system, in the flesh.

• Anyway you look at it, Icons are here to stay.

SourcesSources• Holy Image, Hallowed Ground: Icons from Sinai

Getty Publications, Los Angeles, CA 2006

• Likeness and Presence, a history of the Image before the Era of Art

Hans Belting, University of Chicago Press 1994

• Hidden Symbols in Art

Sarah Carr-Gomm, Duncan Baird Publishers 2001

• Brooks, Sarah. Icons and Iconoclasm in Byzantium. In Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/icon/hd_icon.htm (October 2001)