Glorification of the Cross (back side of 'Christ Acheiropoietos') 1200

Editor: So this is "Glorification of the Cross," the reverse side of a 12th-century icon, done in tempera. I’m immediately drawn to the visible brushstrokes and the slightly distressed texture. The material itself tells a story of time and process. What aspects stand out to you? Curator: The tempera is key here. Consider the process: pigment painstakingly ground, mixed with egg yolk, applied layer upon delicate layer. It wasn’t just about depicting a scene, but an act of devotion through laborious making. Look closely at how the artist used specific minerals for colors. Where did they source them? What did the color signify in trade and devotional value? Editor: That’s a great point about the pigment source and value. It really grounds the image. Does the panel itself also contribute to its meaning? Curator: Absolutely. The wooden support is also essential to the work. Consider its origin, preparation, and symbolic importance as a natural material elevated through artistic labor. It carries a powerful symbolism in how it’s shaped and incorporated into the devotional practice. Editor: So, not just the finished icon, but every material aspect of its creation tells its story. The intersection of material, labor, and even trade, all serving a spiritual function. Curator: Precisely. How the economic, social, and devotional intersect. What does it tell you that common materials were imbued with holy significance? Editor: It's like a chain of value, from the earth to the spiritual realm. Thank you; I'm going to have to rethink about material in devotional works from now on. Curator: Indeed. Consider it as a powerful lens to understand value. The "Glorification of the Cross" showcases material value and artistic process intrinsically linked to its spiritual worth.