Painting the Standing Figure – An Icon of the Archangel Gabriel
Sinai.
This icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel 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.
Please note that this course focuses exclusively on the figure of the Archangel Gabriel. There is a separate course focused on the the Virgin Mary, which may be paired with this work to form a diptych.
Booking Options
Sinai.
This icon depicts the Archangel Gabriel 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.
Please note that this course focuses exclusively on the figure of the Archangel Gabriel. There is a separate course focused on the the Virgin Mary, which may be paired with this work to form a diptych.
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