Byzantine Icons
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Byzantine Icons
When speaking of Byzantine icons the first image which comes to mind is that of saint. The word "icon" came from the Greek word "eikon," meaning image (Jacquiot, 1963). The foundation to the development of this art form came from three main sources Roman government form, Hellenistic culture and Christian religion. Synthesis of those three was reflected in the formation of Byzantine art as a whole and in creation of Byzantine icons in particular, which served as the main expression of the Medieval Ages spirit. Byzantine icons didn't start to play their role in Byzantine art till 13th century, when the monastic life reached its flowering. "The paintings of panels and plagues received such a vigorous impetus that examples were to be found wherever the influence of Byzantium reached. Up to a point, this new demand for portable icons was a result of the introduction of the iconostasis into churches, the two-part screen separating chancel from nave and designed to be covered with icons" (Schug-Wille, 1969). Another factor which enforced the development of icons was the merchants interested in buying icons for export. The phenomenon of Byzantine icons laid in their images, used techniques and spirituality.
The images represented in the icons repeated those of mosaics, enamels and other art forms of Byzantium and were of saint figures, scenes, and any events described in the Bible...