1 What is an icon?

The term ‘icon’ is derived from the Greek εικών (eikṓn, meaning ‘image’). It covers a range of definitions. In its broadest meaning ‘icon’ refers to any representation of a sacred person and/or sacred event in any medium (wooden panel, manuscript illumination, wall painting, mosaic, ivory carving, etc.) and of any size (portable or monumental).

Figure 1 Byzantine enkolpion, Crucifixion, 14th century, carved steatite, 5 x 4.2 cm (6.5 x 4.5 cm with the silver gilt frame set with pearls and stones, which was added probably in France in the 15th or 16th century).

Show description|Hide description

This is a photograph of a small medallion with a carving of the crucifixion. The frame around the carving is set with an alternating sequence of pearls and coloured stones. There’s a small loop at the top of the item, indicating it could be hung and/or worn.

Figure 1 Byzantine enkolpion, Crucifixion, 14th century, carved steatite, 5 x 4.2 cm (6.5 x 4.5 cm with the silver gilt frame set with ...

In its narrowest meaning it usually indicates a wooden painted devotional panel of variable dimensions.

Figure 2 Byzantine (Crete), Saint Nicholas, early 16th century, tempera on wood 28.5 x 21.5 cm.

Show description|Hide description

This is a photograph of a wooden panel painted with a portrait of Saint Nicholas.

Figure 2 Byzantine (Crete), Saint Nicholas, early 16th century, tempera on wood 28.5 x 21.5 cm.

This narrower meaning is the one more closely associated with the word within the faithful congregation of the Byzantine / Orthodox Church. In a tradition that continues to the present day, Orthodox Christians prostrate themselves before icons, make the sign of cross, kiss them, burn incense and light candles in front of them, carry them in processions and have them in their homes hanging on walls – not as decorative items, but as protectors and ‘watchful eyes’. Icons in their broadest sense form the core of Byzantine artistic production; icons in their narrowest sense are its most dominant item.

The establishment of icons within the Byzantine (i.e., Orthodox) Church and rite was complicated and eventful. Early Christianity had an inbuilt resistance to all forms of images. This was partly because during the persecutions of their faith, Christians had to worship against their will to idols (statues of ancient Greek and Roman gods), and partly because the Old Testament takes a clear stand against any form of the representation of the divine.

In Exodus 20:4-5 it is stated:

A similar sentiment is also expressed in Leviticus 26:1:

And in Deuteronomy 27:15 it is stated:

Therefore, a number of early Christians, Church Fathers as well as laymen, questioned and even opposed the representation of Christ and of any other holy person and event as idolatry. However, others defended it, and the resulting dispute marked and divided the early Christian world.