Greek icons of the Mother of God: classification of creations

As you know, every Orthodox icon is created in order to help, protect, comfort in a certain life situation. In addition, icons differ in the plot, stylistic features, technique of performance. However, about everything in order.

What is an icon

From the art history point of view, the icon is an image executed in most cases on a hard surface, supplemented with religious signs and inscriptions. Mostly it is written on a linden board covered with gesso (liquid glue and alabaster). The icons can also include sculptural, mosaic images, paintings.

In Christianity, the icon (Greek "image", "image") is a creation depicting persons or events from the sacred history that are the object of veneration of believers - Orthodox, Catholics, related to the ancient Eastern churches. The list of such objects of veneration was approved at the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787.

Variety of icons

Greek icons by value are divided into six types:

1. Measured - are given for the baptism of the child, their height is equal to the growth of the baby.
2. Family - the image of the patrons of all family members.
3. Nominal - patron saint, after whom a person is named (determined by the date of birth and the Orthodox calendar of the saints' birthday).
4. Wedding - such icons with the image of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary bless the newlyweds.
5. Festive - the history of this or that Christian holiday.
6. Vow - written on the promise.

All the Greek icons depicting the Savior tend to convey one story - the appearance of the Son of the Lord in the flesh in the world of people. The most famous image is "The Savior Not Made by Hands" - the imprint of the Divine Face on the board. The following images are also popular:

• "Almighty" - with one hand Christ blesses, in the other holds a book;
• "The Lord on the throne" - greatness, symbol of the universe;
• "The Savior in the Force";
• Baby Jesus in the arms of the Theotokos.

The Greek icons of the Virgin, the defenders of the Russian land, are very diverse in terms of the plot, so they should single out a separate, next section.

According to the technique of image icons are divided into two categories:

1. Canonical is the most ancient, original, traditional style. A symbolic two-dimensional image, where a great role is given to details - shades, clothing elements.
2. Academic - its type is the West European type of painting. Such icons appeared in Russia in Peter's time.

Greek icons of the Mother of God

Icons reveal the Image of the Holy Intercessor from several facets:

1. "Sign" (Oranta, Incarnation). On the icon we see the image of the praying Virgin Mary (Oranta). At the heart level, she has a sphere, a medallion, depicting the Savior Emmanuel, still in the womb of her mother. The hands of the Theotokos are raised in a prayerful impulse, and the hands of the Savior bless the viewer, holding the scroll. The clothes of Mary are traditional - blue underwear and a red cape. On both sides of them are written the powers of heaven - angels and archangels.
2. "Guide" (Hodegetria). The Virgin leads the believer from darkness to light, to Christ, she is the bridge on the way to Salvation. Here is depicted Mary with Jesus in her arms, with one hand she points to the Infant, directing the viewer to him. Christ blesses the image of the Mother.
3. "Tenderness" (Eleus) is the most lyrical Greek icon of the Mother of God. The heads of the Theotokos and the Savior are inclined to each other, Jesus embraces Mother by the neck. Maria is not only a mother, but also a soul inclined to communicate with God.
4. "Intercessor" - Mary is depicted without a baby, full-length, in her hands a scroll.
5. Akathist Greek icons reflect the Mother of God as it was described in the Akathists. To each of the images are treated with a certain prayer in a difficult period of life - to the "Burning Bush", "The Inexhaustible Chalice," "You rejoice over the whole created creature", "Our Lady of Bogolyubsky", etc.

Classification of icons

Greek icons on the plot:

• Depicting Christ;
• The Holy Trinity;
• Our Lady;
• the Saints;
• Holidays and church events;
• Allegorical, symbolic images.

By number of independent plots:

• One, two or more parts;
• Main plot and terminals (small secondary drawings) - hagiographic, akathist, icons with an act;
• Jerusalem - a multitude of compositions depicting the holy places of the city.

Scale:

• Headings (one face);
• Armored;
• Belt;
• Throne (sitting image);
• Growth.

By location:

• Temple;
• Road (to-do);
• House.

Technique of the icon:

• Picturesque;
• embroidery;
• Cast;
• Carved;
• Typographical (printed);
• Folding (vaulted altar).

For a believer, an icon is not just a beautiful painting creation. This is the window through which he refers to God, the Heavenly Intercessor. The plot variety of icons is associated with the role that they have in the life of the Orthodox.