SACRED ART- DEVOTIONAL IMAGES

BY ICONOGRAPHER ROSETTA PAVONE

What is a Sacred Icon

The word Icon means image from The Greek word eikōn. The practice of writing icons, is an expression of faith, It’s a language of prayer. It requires discipline of mind and body, It is a time of contemplation and prayer. A devotion to the divine

The Holy Icon, is a spiritual description of God’s Word. The images are based on the Holy Scriptures

A biblical source of truth. Story of events – Truth not invented

An icon is a connection to God

An iconographer is someone who creates or “writes” icons, the sacred images usually associated with Christianity-Eastern Orthodoxy.

Every Icon written by an iconographer is unique and individual  expressed and made by human hands for the glory of God. The space in which the iconographer practices is calm and reflects, spirituality, meditation and prayer.

Each Icon can take many months to complete and begins with careful planning and the use of premium materials such as cypress hard wood panels, lined with muslin or fine linen cloth, which is attached with rabbit skin glue. The prepared panel is primed with several layers of gesso, sanded to a smooth silky finish in preparation for the sacred image. 

The image comes to life by using natural finely ground powder pigments, mixed with egg yolk, water, and vinegar. The image is further embellished with 24 carat gold leaf or silver leaf. Engraving, and punching techniques are used to create intricate and delicate designs which can be highlighted with crystals and gemstones to adorn the sacred image.

The art of Icon painting has been practiced over many centuries by many different cultures.  Like many students from all over the world I follow the teachings of the Florentine master painter, Cennino d’Andrea Cennini b. 1360 – 1427. In the 15th century Cennino wrote a book titled “Il Libro dell’Arte in which he explains the secrets and traditional techniques of his craft.

Over the years I have had the privilege of visiting the Renaissance city Florence many times, this opportunity of personally seeing and studying the great works of the masters has been the source of my inspiration and the passion that drives my creative spirit.

I thank God for giving me this gift. 

Rosetta Pavone