The History of Russian Icons


In 787 A.D., the Seventh Ecumenical Council of Nicea gave the Orthodox Christian Church’s official approval to the practice of using icons in prayer.  This means that the leadership approved of icons, even though some of the people did not approve at all.  (For more information on the controversy, see Icons and Religion.)    Because the controversy continued, a later meeting (Endemousa Synod) was called in Constantinople in 843 A.D. for a final ruling on the matter.  Icons were approved once again.  Today, all Orthodox Christians approve of icons.  They celebrate the decisions of these church meetings on the first Sunday of every Lent.

Roughly 1,000 years ago, the first icons in Russia came from Greek painters in Byzantium.  The Byzantine painters had a very dark and dramatic painting style.  Russian artists softened the Byzantine painting style by using brighter colors.

For example, take a look at these two images of the Archangels Gabriel and Michael.  

Archangel Gabriel from Cyprus Icon Archangel Michael from Novgorod, Russia Icon


The Archangel Gabriel, from Cyprus, looks like a real person--a holy, but real, person.  The Archangel Michael, from Russia, looks less human and more idealized.  His face, like his clothing, has been stylized according to the canons.

 
Russian artists developed a very formal style by using the same poses and symbols for many different figures.  This style was shaped by church laws called canons.  These canons used a strict set of symbols for showing holiness.  (For more information on the canons, see Icons and Religion.)  The Russians obeyed the canons (church rules) more strictly than the Greek artists did because they had no outside artistic influences.  Greek artists were influenced by Western (European) artists as well as the Eastern (Russian) artists.

In time, icon artists used other materials to decorate their work.  They began using precious metals to protect icons from too much handling. The most common were silver and gold-plated (gilded) silver.  They also used precious stones and gems.  (See How They Were Made for more information.)

Virgin of Kazan Icon      Christ Pantocrator Icon

The Virgin of Kazan
Christ Pantocrator


By the middle of the 18th century, Russian religious art was also influenced by Western art. Western artists tried to make their paintings look as natural as possible.  So, Russian artists tried mixing naturalism with the traditional canons.  Gradually, their icons became more personalized.  It became easier to recognize the styles of different artists. The images looked more like portraits—paintings of real people. They also painted portraits of real people, using some of the same traditional techniques they had used icons.


Royal Faily of Nicholas II Icon

The Royal Romanov Family of Nicholas II


By the 19th century, almost every Russian artist used “modern” or Western painting techniques.  19th century icons were usually made by machines with cheap metal and printed color.  In the early 20th century, the Russian Revolution temporarily stopped the production of icons. Their history as religious objects made them unpopular to the new communist government.

Here in the 21st century, artists are once again interested in creating traditional icons.  Icons are popular all over the world.  These days, they are usually collected for their artistic and historical value.  It is possible to see them in museums and art galleries.  Cheap versions are available for sale as tourist souvenirs.  Of course, many people still use them for religious purposes.


Click here for more information on the history of icons.



Russian Icons - Introduction
Russian Icons - Religion
Russian Icons - Home
Russian Icons - Artistic Characteristics
Russian Icons - How They Are Made
Russian CultureQuest - Home

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