Crete on Roersma Iconpaintings

The Virgin Hodegetria

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:56:40 +0200

The suffering Virgin with the Christ Child, with references in the top corners to the crucifixion: the cross with crown of thorns, the lance and the stake with the sponge. In the Western churches this icon is revered as the “Our Lady of everlasting relief”.

The Entry into Jerusalem

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:56:53 +0200

In the centre of this icon, Christ is riding on a colt* to Jerusalem. The apostles, led by Peter, follow their Lord. In the foreground children are spreading clothes and branches on the ground. The branches are taken from the trees in the centre. To the right, the citizens of Jerusalem come to greet Christ. This is described in John 12:12-15, Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:28-40. (*Matthew and John describe Jesus riding on an ass, Luke uses the word colt, which is a young horse)

Saint Catherine

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:55:50 +0200

Saint Catherine is depicted in royal robes, with books and measuring instruments. The wheel is a symbol of the torment before her beheading. The cross and palm branch are references to her martyrdom. Saint Catherine’s monastery in the Sinai is named after her and according to the tradition her corpse was brought to this monastery from Alexandria.

The Resurrection of Christ

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:19:39 +0100

Figures with exaggerated gestures, betraying inner emotions, existed as early as the time of the Palaeologists. Standing on the destroyed gates of the underworld, Christ bows towards Adam, whom he raises from the grave. With her hands hidden, Eve prays for redemption for herself and those standing behind her. On the other side John the Baptist leads the Old Testament kings and forefathers. The icon was originally painted by Michael Damascene.

Saint George and the Dragon

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:15:30 +0100

This icon, as elegant and precise as the work of a silversmith, clearly shows the influence of western culture at that time. In this depiction, the powerful horse and the external appearance of the black dragon is derived from a work by Paolo Veneziano on the same theme, but the aristocratic severity of the Byzantine example is still evident.

The Virgin with Child and two Angels

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:04:00 +0100

This icon is a quite rare picture of the breastfeeding Virgin. Mary is shown in half-figure, offering her child on her left arm her breast which is unrealistically small.

Saint Catherine

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:59:04 +0100

Travel Icon with the Virgin and Two Angels

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:53:52 +0100

Wooden travel icon depicting the Virgin with Child in the central panel and the angels Gabriel and Michael on the side panels.

Mary Magdalene in the Garden with Christ

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:51:11 +0100

Mary Magdalene recognies Jesus in the garden after his Resurrection and says in Hebrew “Rabboni” (Master). Jesus says: “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father”. At the sepulchre is the empty tomb with the grave clothes that were wrapped around the body of Christ. John 20:1-18.

The Crucifixion

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:49:55 +0100

Christ hangs on the Cross, surrounded by six angels. In the foreground are four weeping women, with the Virgin amongst them. To the right are John and the Roman centurion Longinus. In the cave one can see the skull of Adam. The kneeling figures in the foreground are probably the donors and/or the patrons of the icon.

The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:47:18 +0100

This event has been one of the most important days to celebrate in the Greek Orthodox Church since the 6th century. The icon represents the events as described in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:1-12 and Luke 9:28-36. Christ is standing in a dazzling light on a mountain, with Moses to his right and Elijah to his left. Kneeling below him is the apostle Peter who is pointing to Christ, with the apostles James and John beside him.

The Nativity

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:45:45 +0100

Christ is lying in a manger in a cave. The Virgin is lying on a bed. At the bottom left, the child is being given his first bath. Nearby Joseph is deep in thought, with a shepherd in front of him. In the top left, the three wise men on horseback point to the star of Bethlehem. Over the cave is a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. To the right, an angel proclaims the birth to the shepherds. Luke 2:1-20.