Iconography was an integral part of worship and the mystical life in early Christianity, and was given special attention by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. Icons played an essential role in religious practices and the visual representation of the divine. They were referred to as "windows into heaven" in the Eastern Christian tradition. This sacred art has inspired and uplifted millions of faithful, and has been the instrument for demonstrating God's miraculous intercession in the life of mankind.
Hodegetria ('She Who Shows the Way') and Salus Populi Romani ('Health of the Roman People'), both depict the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. Among the sacred icons of the early Church, they were believed to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist, who was not only the author of the Gospel of Luke, but was also the very first iconographer.
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Christ Pantocrator *NEW RELEASE*This icon of Christ Pantocrator is the most common of the Byzantine representations, and ranks among those of Christ in Glory. His look alludes to judgement, and His right hand held in blessing, shows His tender authority. |
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The Crucifixion *NEW RELEASE*The Icon of the Crucifixion is often found painted on the reverse side of the Virgin Hodeghetria (Mary Holding Jesus), illustrating the contrast between the Incarnation and the Crucifixion. The choice of colours and the stylized draped clothing depicts tendencies in classical Byzantine art of the 13th century. With beautiful expressions of grief on the faces of Mary and John, the intimate relationship they had with Christ cannot be denied. This icon can be found in the Church of Saint Clement of Ohrid, in Macedonia. |
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The Virgin of Vladimir *NEW RELEASE*Legend attributes this tender Byzantine Icon of Mary holding Jesus to Saint Luke. Reliable documents record it being sent by a Patriarch in Constantinople to the Grand Duke of Keiv, in 1131. It is greatly venerated in Russia, with a history of protecting the people, and from 1395 to 1917, resided at Our Lady of the Dormition of Vladimir, near Moscow, which was built to house this beautiful religious portrait. |
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Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa *NEW RELEASE*This Byzantine-style Icon has been located in the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, Poland, since 1382. Legend claims that Luke painted it on a table top, built by St. Joseph himself. In 1430, the painting was damaged by thieves, and scars were left on Mary’s face. This icon is associated with miraculous events and is a national symbol of Mary’s being crowned Queen of Poland. |
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Icon of the Annunciation of Ustyug *NEW RELEASE*This Icon was painted no later than the 12th century. The upper semi-circle depicts God the Father. Both Archangel Gabriel and Mary are gesturing toward the image of Jesus on Mary’s chest. Mary’s gesture is accepting the task of bearing the Son of God. The thread in Her left hand represents Mary having weaved the veil of the Temple in her youth. This is one of the few icons that survived the Mongol invasion of Russia. In 1567, it was seized by Ivan the Terrible and transported from Ustyug to the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. It now resides in Moscow’s state Trykov Gallery. |
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Saint Michael the Archangel *NEW RELEASE*The Icon of the Archangel Saint Michael was painted by the Russian Monk, Andrie Rublev, (1360-1440), who is also known for other iconographic paintings such as The Holy Trinity and The Saviour. He was sainted by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988. |
