Icons ?

[Jennifer132]

I was just wondering do all icons need to be of the same style? To be considered an icon, and not just a piece of religious art, does the icon need to conform to certain guidelines or rules? I have seen some really pretty (to me) art of the Blessed Virgin and Jesus, but it wasn’t done in the traditional style one associates with icons, it was more modern looking. So, what is the fundamental difference (if any) between icons and religious art depicting saints, the Blessed Virgin and Christ?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I was just wondering do all icons need to be of the same style? To be considered an icon, and not just a piece of religious art, does the icon need to conform to certain guidelines or rules? I have seen some really pretty (to me) art of the Blessed Virgin and Jesus, but it wasn’t done in the traditional style one associates with icons, it was more modern looking. So, what is the fundamental difference (if any) between icons and religious art depicting saints, the Blessed Virgin and Christ?

I’m no expert, but my former spiritual director for my OCDS group was and wrote an article on Spiritual Magazine years ago, about Icons.

Generally, Icons provide spiritual symbols.

For instance, in the Icon, Madonna and Child, the Blessed Mother’s head is shaped like an egg, This is to symbolize her being the source where our new life in Christ came from. Her hand is at her heart, while her fingers point to Jesus, showing the love we are to have for Jesus must come from the heart.

I forget the rest, so there is a methodology to Icons and how to read them.

Jim

 

[Dorothy]

I heard a talk by a Catholic friend of mine who goes every year to an icon writing retreat. She showed about 15 icons and explained much of the symbolism. I cannot remember exactly what she said about all the details, but the long noses and fingers have a special meaning also.

Icons are called “windows to heaven”. I definitely would like to read more about them.