Modern Byzantine and Russian Icons with symbolic Images of Jesus Christ. An Explanation of Theology and Canon of Iconography

Abstract

The article explains the iconographic scheme of symbolic representations of Christ, which were present in the Russian and Byzantine art. In comparison to the first characters used on the early these icons have theological content. They represent the whole process of salvation for mankind, and many of them associated with the liturgy. For example, images of Christ as a “Watchful eye” or as the Lamb of God refer to the rites performed during the initial part of the Liturgy. Also important are the images of Christ in the performances of the whole Trinity. The type of the Old Testament Trinity He is shown as one of the three angels, and New Testament Trinity in the form of a man in robes of blue and red. Distinct type of representation is the Son of God in the form of an angel. There is here such topics as: Christ the Holy Silence, Christ Crucified Seraph and Sophia-Wisdom of God.