Christ in glory 1200

This icon, depicting Christ in glory, was created in the tradition of Orthodox icons, likely in the early centuries of Christianity. It's made using humble materials – wood, gesso, and pigments. The wood support gives the icon its physical presence and durability, while the gesso provides a smooth surface for painting. The pigments, derived from minerals or organic sources, add color and vibrancy to the image. The anonymous artisan would have applied thin layers of paint, building up the image gradually. But consider this, too: the very act of creating the icon was seen as a sacred task, involving prayer and fasting. In a world of manual labor, it represents a skilled practice, one that blurred the boundaries between art and devotion. The object’s meaning lies not only in its image, but also in the labor and faith embedded within its creation.