Holy Wisdom of God 1650

This icon, Holy Wisdom of God, was created by Orthodox Icons using traditional materials and processes of its time. Its golden surface is made with ground pigment, suspended in egg tempera to create a smooth consistency. The icon painter would have then applied thin layers of paint to a prepared wooden panel. The process of gilding involves carefully applying gold leaf to the surface, a meticulous craft. This surface reflects light, imbuing the scene with an ethereal quality. The techniques used to create this icon are steeped in tradition. The skilled application of these techniques, along with the cost of materials, signifies that the artisan was a specialist, and that this object would have been precious to those who commissioned or owned it. We can appreciate how materials, craft, and context work together to convey the meaning and significance of this orthodox icon, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.