Painting the Standing Figure - An Icon of the Virgin Mary
In this course, participants will study and recreate a 12th Century icon of the Annunciation from St Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai.
This icon depicts the Virgin as a standing figure, which offers a rich opportunity to understand the depiction of human anatomy, proportions and garment folds characteristic of Byzantine iconography.
Students will also explore the theological and liturgical context of the image. In ancient and contemporary Orthodox churches, the sanctuary is separated from the nave by an iconostasis—a wall covered with icons. At the center of the iconostasis is a doorway that allows clergy to enter and exit the sanctuary, symbolizing the gateway between humanity and God.
The Annunciation of Mary is often depicted in this context, as Mary is understood as the conduit through whom salvation entered the world. This symbolism serves as the inspiration for this course.
Participants will learn traditional icon-painting techniques, including:
- Gilding with loose-leaf gold
- Painting with egg tempera using natural and semi‑precious pigments
- Building form through a layered method, working from dark to light
This course is suitable for students seeking to develop both their technical skills and their understanding of the spiritual and symbolic language of Byzantine iconography.
Booking Options
In this course, participants will study and recreate a 12th Century icon of the Annunciation from St Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai.
This icon depicts the Virgin as a standing figure, which offers a rich opportunity to understand the depiction of human anatomy, proportions and garment folds characteristic of Byzantine iconography.
Students will also explore the theological and liturgical context of the image. In ancient and contemporary Orthodox churches, the sanctuary is separated from the nave by an iconostasis—a wall covered with icons. At the center of the iconostasis is a doorway that allows clergy to enter and exit the sanctuary, symbolizing the gateway between humanity and God.
The Annunciation of Mary is often depicted in this context, as Mary is understood as the conduit through whom salvation entered the world. This symbolism serves as the inspiration for this course.
Participants will learn traditional icon-painting techniques, including:
- Gilding with loose-leaf gold
- Painting with egg tempera using natural and semi‑precious pigments
- Building form through a layered method, working from dark to light
This course is suitable for students seeking to develop both their technical skills and their understanding of the spiritual and symbolic language of Byzantine iconography.
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