Byzantine Icon
A religious artwork that originated in Byzantium
Byzantine icon is a cult image, most often painted on a wooden panel. It is distinguished by strict symbolism, frontal poses of saints, radiant halos, and a bright palette dominated by gold. In icon painting there are no random details: poses, gestures, even colors carry special meaning. Usually the faces are devoid of emotion—thus artists tried to convey not the bodily but the spiritual essence of the saints.
Interestingly, masters often remained anonymous, considering themselves merely conduits of divine will.
Byzantine icons are still held in high esteem by collectors and at auctions. There have been cases where ancient icons hidden centuries ago were found in churches—their recognition as authentic caused a stir in the market!