Obadiah, Messenger of King Ahab, Meets Elijah (from Hagiographic cycle of detail of 'Prophet Elijah in the desert' ) 1325

This panel, created by Orthodox Icons, is from a hagiographic cycle that details the Prophet Elijah, likely made using traditional methods of icon painting. Painted on a wooden panel, the artist would have applied layers of gesso – a mixture of glue and chalk – to create a smooth surface. The image was then painted using egg tempera, a fast-drying paint made from egg yolk, water, and pigment. This is clear from the brilliant colors, which remain vibrant even now. Finally, it was coated with a varnish of heated linseed oil. The real subject of the icon is the work and skill embedded in it. Each stage, from preparing the wood to applying the final layers of paint, requires time, precision, and learned technique. It’s a devotional act, deeply embedded in a specific cultural and spiritual context. The icon reflects the immense labor and dedication involved, reminding us of the traditional means of production at the heart of Orthodox art.