Introduction on Roersma Iconpaintings

The Green Violinist

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:15:52 +0100

Autour de l'Arbre Magique

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:11:33 +0100

The Blue Dog

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:09:25 +0100

Birdperson with Cat

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:06:12 +0100

The praying Jew

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:03:55 +0100

Me with Palet

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:02:21 +0100

Naked above Vitebsk

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:00:49 +0100

Mother of God from Sorrows

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 17:33:57 +0200

In the 15th Century this composition that points to the suffering of Christ was often expanded into various icons. The originating icon is attributed to Ritzos from Candia on Crete.

The Archangel Michaël

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:26:28 +0200

This is the most “icon-painterly” work of Ushakov, but not without certain features of eclecticism (figure and background). It shows a certain loss of creative imagination characteristic of court artists while the technique of execution remains highly refined. Whom the small figure on the left represents is not known.

The icon is from the Tolmachevskaya-Sosnovskaya collection.

Annunication

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:23:04 +0200

The announcement of Gabriel to Maria that she will be pregnant and give birth to a son. The explanation can be found in Luke 1 verse 26-38. This icon is usually found on King doors.

Birth of Christ

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:18:55 +0200

This people’s icon was originally painted using the encaustic technique. This one is completed in tempera and has appealing presentations related to the birth of Christ.

Mother of God with child

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:14:03 +0200

This icon usually goes by the name “Madonna della Consolatione”. Mother of god of consolation and is probably originating from the Byzantine Hodegetria Type (since the child is seated on his mothers right arm). It could also originate from the Kretenian-Venetian school. This type is widespread in East and West.

Mother God of the Sign

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:08:16 +0200

This icon belongs to one of the earliest depictions of Mary, the explanation is in Isaiah 7, verse 7-14. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Next to Mary’s halo are two cherubim. The primordial icon originated in Constantinopel, after the Christianization, this became the most important one in Novgorod.

Our Lady of Kykkos

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:12:05 +0200

This icon is supposed to have been painted by Saint Luke. It was probably created in the early 11th century. The Emperor Alexius I Commenus presented it as a gift in 1082 to the Kykkos monastery on Cyprus. The Christ Child sits on his mother’s right arm, his legs dangling. She holds her Son’s left arm with her left hand. The Christ Child holds an opened scroll in his left hand.

Virgo Orans of Jaroslavl

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:08:29 +0200

The Mother of God Panhagia in this icon is one of the earliest pictures of Mary. The icon shows Mary in Orans pose (praying, with raised hands). In front of Mary, Jesus also has his hands outstretched. This ancient icon originates from Constantinople, from the then district of Blachernitissa. To the left and right at the top of the icon are the angels Michael and Gabriel respectively.

Saint Sergius

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:05:37 +0200

Sergius was a Roman soldier, who became a martyr in the 4th century in Resafa, Syria. This icon depicts him as a 13th century knight going on a crusade. This cult of knightly saints was very popular in the crusaders states. The woman kneeling and kissing his feet asks for inference of the holy spirit in favor of her husband or son, who is fighting in the Holy Land.

Saint Nicholas

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:00:07 +0200

Saint Nicholas the miracle-worker from the Palech school. Saint Nicholas is depicted in all his finery. With his right hand he makes a gesture of blessing, and in his left hand he holds the Book of the Gospels. He is the patron saint of seamen, but also of the family and children.

Mother of God Glykophilousa

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:36:04 +0200

The mother of God wears a white headdress with typical ornaments and a maphorion without stars, while Christ is clothed in an orange-red himation with a white sash. The halo is formed of small dots applied to a gold background. The icon probably originates from Dalmatia.

Mother of God Hodegetria

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:35:03 +0200

The hodegetria (“She who guides the way”) is a common picturing of the virgin in the Byzantine and Russian art. According to the legend, the first Maria Hodegetria was painted by the evangelist Lucas. During the first years of the 11th century, icons with this theme appear in Russia.

The birth of Christ

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:33:05 +0200

This birth icon originates in the 13th century, and is being kept in the museum of the St. Catharina Monastery on the peninsula of the Sinai.

Mother of God of Georgia

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:32:01 +0200

Christ is seating on the left arm of his mother, who points to him with her right hand. Christ makes a blessing gesture with his right hand and keeps a script with a red ribbon in his left. The aureola is richly decorated, which is a typical Novgorodschool characteristic.

Green Tara

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:47:40 +0200

Giver of Prosperity “The cosmic mother is always prepared to save you of the eight great fears, she is the great protectress against all inequity and evil.”

Mother of God 'Axion Esti'

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 18:23:35 +0200

The iconography of this icon is a variant of the Mother of God of Kykkotissa and is based on a miracle. In the 8th century, at the time of the iconoclasm of Emperor Leo III, a soldier attacked the icon with a sword, causing blood to flow from it. Full of remorse the solder fled to Mount Athos but the icon followed him across the water. Finding the icon on the beach, the soldier brought it to the main church of the Athos monasteries and the flow of blood was stemmed. In thanks the monks raised their voices to sing the ‘Axion Esti’.

Painted Ostrich Egg

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 18:20:32 +0200

Original design with two icon images: The Holy Mandylion Russia 17th century

Mother of God of Yaroslavl Russia 17th century

Saint George and the dragon

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:02:58 +0200

With deadly accuracy Saint George, astride his horse, strikes the hideous dragon with his spear. The event unfolds in a barren landscape, dominated by craggy rock formations, the occasional tree and a pool of water. In the top right corner, a godly hand extends to bless the triumphant saint. To the left, three holy men, complete with nimbus and crosses, look on. The legend of the late third-century George of Cappadocia, as George was officially known, was especially popular in Russia during the Middle Ages. The courage he showed led him to be named ‘The Conqueror’.

The birth of Christ

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:01:58 +0200

Along the top edge is written in Church Slavonic ‘The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ’. The icon depicts various scenes relating to the birth that follow the late medieval Russian iconography. In the centre is the adoration of the magi from the East, holding in their hands their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The ox and the ass refer to Isaiah 1 verse 3. In the top right hand corner are two angels, below them two shepherds playing the flute. In the bottom right hand corner the child is being washed, and in the bottom left corner is Joseph, listening to an old shepherd standing before him.

The Ascension

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:01:08 +0200

This icon is from the Novgorod school. It comes from the Malov-Kirillov Monastery and is currently in the Novgorod Art Museum. Christ is surrounded by angels who accompany him to heaven; below stand his mother Mary and two angels in white robes. At Mary’s side stand the apostles, six on her left and six on her right.

Christ Pantocrator

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:58:51 +0200

This icon is exhibited in the Puschkin museum in Moscow. It dates back to late Byzantine times and the original size is 124 x 80 cm. Christ is pictured with a beautifully decorated bible in his left hand while is right hand makes a blessing gesture.

The Holy Mandylion

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:57:24 +0200

The holy Mandylion is a beloved representation in orthodox churches, the style is related to a “divine creation”-theme. As it doesn’t display the regular human representations. During Christ’s life on earth, the ill king Abgar of Edessa asked Christ to cure him. Christ did not travel to Edessa himself, but pressed a piece of cloth against his face. This cloth, showing an imprint of his face, was sent to the king. The cloth cured him of his illness

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”.

Jerusalimskaya Mother of God

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:55:24 +0200

The ancient icon which is said to be the work of the evangelist Luke was taken in 455 from Jerusalem to Constantinople, and from there to Kiev. Prince Vladimir presented it to the inhabitants of Novgorod when they became Christians. After Ivan the Terrible had subdued Novgorod, he took the icon with him to Moscow as booty in 1571.

Mother of God with child

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:53:04 +0200

This icon is richly decorated with gold leaf, and the border is also beautifully executed with gold assist. The clothes of the Mother of God differ from those most commonly depicted. The Christ-child already has a somewhat older facial expression. The nimbuses of mother and child are richly decorated. The icon is kept in St Catharine’s Monastery on Sinai.

The Old Testament Trinity

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:51:05 +0200

The Trinity is an illustration derived from the Old Testament, Genesis 18:1-5. The picture shows three angels around the table. They represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes Abraham and Sarah are also depicted.

New Testament Trinity

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:50:00 +0200

This icon of the Trinitywas painted according to the New Testament. Lucas 22 verse 69, “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”. Seated right is the Father, on a seraph throne. And left of him, Christ, holding the gospel book in his left hand and the Cross with his right. In the four corners, gospel symbols are pictured. Matthew as a winged human, Marcus as the lion, John as the eagle and Lucas as the bull.

Old Testament Trinity

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:49:14 +0200

This icon is also known as the Feast of Abraham. The original icon was donated by Abbot Simion of the Holy Trinity Monastery near Veliko Turnovo. This archetypal icon was painted in 1708 by the painters Kosta and Tsonyo.

Hagia Sophia

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:48:28 +0200

On this triptych the Wisdom of God (in Greek: ‘Hagia Sophia’) is personified in the image of a woman sitting on a throne. She has angel’s wings and holds a sceptre and staff in her hands.

To the left is the Mother of God with a diskos bearing the image of Christ Immanuel. To the right stands John the Precursor holding an open scroll in his hand. Above the Hagia Sophia is Christ Pantokrator, and above him six angels and an empty throne on which rests an evangeliary.

White Tara

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:47:48 +0200

Tears of Mercy ‘Whether the pain is physical or emotional, White Tara will listen and offer succour to all those who bear their misfortunes with dignity’

Radiant Tara

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:46:32 +0200

Radiant Tara is made from pure energy, pure light. It is a part of her miraculous nature that she appears, that she speaks – even if it is straight to your soul – and she makes her presence felt.

Archangel Gabriel and Michael

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:45:03 +0200

The two similar-looking angels are richly clothed in red and green tunics with an embellished over-garment. They hold a messenger staff in their right hand.

The original icon is kept in the Monastery of Saint Catherine on the Sinai Peninsula.

Mother of God Grusinskaya

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:43:34 +0200

The Gruzinskaya is virtually a mirror image of the Mother of God Jerusalimskaya.

It is probably a Byzantine replica of the latter, which was most recently found in Georgia where it was known as the Georgian or Iberian Mother of God. The oldest Gruzinskaya dates from around 1360 and was moved shortly afterwards to Moscow, where the replicas have become just as well loved as in Georgia.

Mother of God Glykophilousa

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:42:01 +0200

Mother of God of Vladimir with crown

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:39:23 +0200

This Mother of God differs from that of the Vladimirskaya in its beautifully detailed crown with all kinds of embellishments.

The names are depicted within light-blue medallions. The robes of the Mother of God and those of Christ are highlighted in gold assist. The light background of this icon gives it an unusual appearance.

Mother of God of Vatoped

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:37:13 +0200

The icon of the Mother of God of Vatoped, named ‘Joy’ or ‘Consolation’ depicts the Holy Virgin from the monastery of Vatoped on Mount Athos. Similar icons can be found in the convent of Tavolzhank in Voronesh and the ‘Smolny Convent of the Resurrection’ in St. Petersburg.

Saint Theodora

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:36:14 +0200

In 830 AD Saint Theodora (born in 815) married the Byzantine Emperor Theophilus, who died twelve years later. In 842 she devoted herself to re-establishing the veneration of the icons at a Holy Synod in Nicaea. She died in a convent on 11 February 867 at the age of 52 years, The Orthodox Church declared her a saint.

Mother of God of the Passion

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:33:49 +0200

The Mother of God holds on her lap the Christ Child, who turns with a startled look to an angel holding a lance and a sponge. In the opposite corner is an angel bearing a cross. The baroque throne on which the Mother of God is seated is unique. The crown has been replaced by a headdress, as is often found in Southwest Russia where there was a clear Western influence.

Hindu goddess Saraswati

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:33:04 +0200

“River of mercy”

Unusually this image is painted using the tempera technique on a lime wood panel. There are Buddhist temples to this goddess, such as the one in Ubud on the island of Bali. Usually the images are painted on fine linen, and sometimes on paper.

Noli me Tangere

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:31:34 +0200

Mary Magdalene recognizes Jesus in the garden after his resurrection and says in Hebrew: ‘Rabbouni’ (Master). Jesus replies: ‘Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father.’ This icon also depicts other images, such as Golgotha, the empty tomb, the women bearing myrrh and the Hagia Sophia.

Mother of God Moldavskaya

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:30:11 +0200

The Flowering of Moldavia.

The name refers to Moldavia in Romania.

The icon refers to the apocryphal story of the choice of Joseph as the bridegroom of Mary by the ‘Miracle of the Rods’. It is very rare to find a depiction of this story.

Mother of God with Child

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 14:25:45 +0200

The original was a mosaic icon, which I photographed in a monastery church along the road to Sophia. Here it is a beautifully embellished tempera icon with the theme ‘Mother of God gesturing to the Christ Child’

The Creation of Adam

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:22:25 +0200

This icon originates from the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi and depicts the creation of Adam in the top right-hand corner. Below it, Adam is shown naming the various animals.

It is a unique icon depicting animals which do not exist in the real world.

The edges are beautifully decorated with gold assist.

The Annunciation

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:21:33 +0200

This icon forms part of the King’s doors in the Saint Charalambios Chapel in the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi. It is a simply painted icon in bright colours on a dark blue background, where the Angel Gabriel and Mary are depicted on a cloud. The icon also shows the year in which the doors were painted.

The Three Wise Men from the East

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:20:42 +0200

This icon from the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi is a transitional work in style and expression. The painter was probably familiar with the aesthetic West European Renaissance, which followed the Byzantine tradition.

The background has an unusual form and scenes are used that took place in different times in history.

The painter was clearly highly skilled in painting icons, softening the customary features of the traditional likeness while preserving the facial expressions.

The Resurrection

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:20:00 +0200

In the centre is the figure of Christ clothed in a dazzling white robe. He stands over the abyss of darkness, where the broken doors, locks and hinges are still visible. The first to be liberated from limbo by Christ are the forefathers and the Kings of the Old Testament who stand behind him, together with Eve. Finally, Christ pulls Adam out into the light of mercy..

Mother of God of Kykkos

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:19:17 +0200

According to tradition, the first icon of this type was painted by Saint Luke. A typical feature of this icon is the way the Christ Child sits on the left arm of his mother, turning his gaze away from her. The child presents an opened scroll showing an excerpt from Luke 4 verse 18 or from Isaiah 61 verse 1. The icon takes its name from the Kykkos monastery on Cyprus. The festival for this icon is celebrated on 26 December.

Saint George and the dragon

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:18:40 +0200

Saint George, on a rearing horse, brandishes his lance to slay the dragon lying on the ground.

The Baptism of Christ

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:17:13 +0200

Christ, clothed only in a loincloth, stands in the River Jordan as John baptizes him. Above Christ are the rays of the Holy Ghost. In the river at Christ’s feet, still clearly visible as an ancient relic, is the river god Jordan. To the left of Christ stand four angels bearing his clothes in their hands. To the right an axe hangs in a tree, illustrating Matthew Chapter 3 verse 10: ‘Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’

Christ Pantokrator

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:16:26 +0200

Christ, dressed in priestly robes, is shown in a frontal, half-profile pose. He is depicted as the King of Kings. In his left hand he holds an open book, his right hand is raised in blessing.

Archangels Michael and Gabriel

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:14:32 +0200

The two angels, similar in appearance, are beautifully clothed in red and green robes underneath a decorated over-garment. In their right hands they grasp the messenger’s staff. Both angels stand on finely decorated cushions. The original icon is kept at Saint Catharine’s Monastery in Sinai.

Virgo Orans of Jaroslavl

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:13:45 +0200

Mother of God with Child

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:13:05 +0200

The original icon dates from the 13th century and has been restored several times over the centuries. The exquisitely painted robes of the child, the decorations on the clothes of the Mother of God, the fine lines in her face and the decorations on the aureole are reminiscent of the Cypriot School with Syrian influences. The original size is 74 x 94 cm.

The Resurrection

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:12:24 +0200

This icon is an animated representation of the resurrection of Christ, against the background of the Sinai. Christ descends into Hades and bears a decorated cross, representing the symbol of victory. Kings David and Solomon, as well as Adam and Eve, are to the left and right. Above are other figures including John the Baptist and Moses.

Our Lady of Sorrows

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:11:36 +0200

A Western theme, which was adopted in the 17th century by the Eastern Orthodox Church. It depicts the words of the old Simon who spoke to the Mother of God when she presented her son in the temple: ‘Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also’ (Luke 2:35). Seven white swords pierce her, representing the seven sorrows of Mary: the flight into Egypt, the prophecy in the temple, the twelve-year old Christ in the temple, the Crucifixion, the descent from the Cross, the burial, as well as the piercing of her soul.

The All-Seeing Eye of God

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:10:35 +0200

This icon has a strict geometrical structure, all the rings containing Church Slavonic inscriptions on a white background, referring to the figure depicted. In the middle ring is Christ Emmanuel, in the second ring four eyes, nose and mouth, ’the all-seeing eye’, in the third ring the Virgin Orante and in the largest ring the seraphim and cherubim. The four corner rings contain images of the four evangelists, with texts in the rings referring to each of them. In the upper middle ring is God the Father, with the seraphim and cherubim in the outer ring.

Birth of Christ

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:09:29 +0200

The original popular icon was painted using the encaustic technique in the 7th century. This one is painted in tempera, with striking images relating to the birth of Christ.

Mother of God with Child

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:08:46 +0200

This icon is richly decorated with gold leaf, and the border too is beautifully executed in gold assist. The clothes of the Mother of God differ slightly from those more commonly depicted. The Christ-child already has a somewhat older facial expression. The aureoles around the Mother and Child are richly decorated. This archetypal icon is kept at Saint Catharine’s Monastery in Sinai.

Saint Paraskeva

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:07:48 +0200

This Saint is commemorated in Orthodox countries on 28 October. She is the patron of housewives, merchants, thieves and lawyers, because Fridays are market days for women, when stealing is most prevalent and summary justice has to be handed down to the thieves. Since she fought for the purity of the faith, she can be depicted with a white hood or veil, which can be seen here. She was beheaded for her faith in the year 140.

Archangel Michael

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:06:47 +0200

The Arch Strategist ‘Who is as God’ reads the translation of Michael who, as a herald of the Apocalypse, weighs up the souls at the Last Judgment. ‘And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils’ (Revelation 18:1-2).

Trinity

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:05:53 +0200

The table at which Abraham seats his guests is depicted as a diagonal from bottom right to top left. The angel in the top left-hand corner sits in order of rank in a raised position and is identified as Jesus Christ by the nimbus with the letters O, W, N (I Am that I Am) and Christ’s name IC XC. Abraham offers him the head of the sacrificial lamb on an open platter, Sarah kneels and presents him with a golden cask. Abraham’s tent is depicted more as a palace or a temple.

Christ Blessed Silence

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:04:48 +0200

Christ is depicted on the icon according to the iconography of Emmanuel, but with the wings of an angel and bearing the title ‘Saviour and Blessed Silence’. This refers to ’the eternal silence of God’s existence’. The text on the prayer scroll reads ‘Why do you call me, My mother, My mouth was full’ (Isaiah 42:3 and Isaiah 53:7).

Guardian angel (Michael)

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:03:55 +0200

A favourite icon in Russia since the 17th century, especially among the Old Believers. In his right hand he holds the cross of blessing and in his left hand the sword (symbol of protection). As a separate pictorial motif, the depiction was first seen in the Christian East in the late Middle Ages. Psalm 91:11-12 says: ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways’

The Resurrection

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:03:07 +0200

The resurrected Christ stands in the light flooding down from above, over the abyss of darkness, where the shattered doors and hinges are still visible. The first people Christ liberates from limbo are the forefathers and Kings of the Old Testament, who stand behind him, together with Eve. Finally, Christ pulls out Adam into the light of mercy. Above, angels soar with the Cross and instruments of torture in their hands.

The Archangel Michael

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:01:39 +0200

It is very likely that this icon forms part of a Deesis. The title ‘Supreme Leader of the Heavenly Host’ refers to the rank of the archangel in the celestial hierarchy. The cryptogram on the globe has been deciphered and means ‘Christ the righteous Judge’. The painting is typical of the Byzantine style, the effect of depth and light on the shapes being achieved using a network of fine white lines.

Mother of God Grusinskaya

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:59:51 +0200

The Grusinskaya in mirror image is virtually identical to the Jerusalimskaya Mother of God. A Byzantine copy of the latter probably found its way to Georgia, where it was called the Georgian or Iberian Mother of God. The oldest Grusinskaya dates from around 1360, shortly after which it came to Moscow where the replicas were as much loved as in Georgia.

Saint Nicholas

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:59:02 +0200

Archangel Michael

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:58:15 +0200

It is very likely that this icon forms part of a Deesis. The title ‘Supreme Leader of the Heavenly Host’ indicates the rank of the archangel in the celestial hierarchy. The cryptogram on the globe has been deciphered and means ‘Christ the righteous judge’. The painting is typical of the Byzantine style, with the effect of depth and the light on the shapes using a network of fine white lines.

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.

Deësis

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:54:57 +0200

This is originally a Byzantine composition, with Christ in judgement flanked by Mary and John the Baptist or forerunner. In the centre is Pantokrator, who will judge mankind at the end of time. Mary and John the Baptist mediate for a merciful judgement. John the Baptist as representative of the Old Testament and Maria as the representative of the New Testament.

Archangel Michael

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:54:00 +0200

This icon comes from the Novgorod school and differs from the traditional type that is usually depicted with a frontal aspect. He is referred to several times in the book of Daniel (Chapters 10 verse 21 and 12 verse 1). The name is derived from the Hebrew word jakal which means ’to overcome’or ’to be the strongest'.

Christ, King of Kings

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:52:45 +0200

On a magnificent throne, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists, sits Christ in the robes of a High Priest and a precious crown on his head as King of Kings, blessing the believers. The text on the open pages of the Book of the Gospel reads: ‘My kingdom is not of this world, take, eat, this is my body, drink, this is my blood that was shed for you, do this in remembrance of me’.

Mother of God, the stone not hewn by man

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:52:02 +0200

This icon depicts an exceptionally unusual theme of the Mother of God, usually called ‘Gora Nerukosecnaja’, translated as ‘stone not hewn by man’. The name originates from the text of the prophet Daniel (Dan. 2 verse 31-35) in which he interprets a dream of king Nebuchadnezzar. Church fathers used the image for the incarnation of Christ and the virgin motherhood of Mary. The rock here is shown in front of the Mother of God’s breast. Above the rock spans a rainbow as a symbol of God’s covenant after the Flood with Noah (Gen. 9 verse 8-17).

Mother of God, Comforter of the afflicted

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:51:01 +0200

A rare depiction of the Mother of Christ with the Christ Child. An unusual feature is that Christ sits on the Mother of God’s left arm, and that she points to Christ as in the iconography of the Mother of God Hodegetria. She is crowned and wearing a pink veil with a blue lining, which the Christ Child touches. Virtually nothing is known about the origin and meaning of this icon.

Mother of God Glykophilousa (Vsysgranie)

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:49:47 +0200

The Mother of God holds her head slightly bowed and has the Christ child on her right hand. The Jesus Child is looking at the Mother of God, has a closed scroll in his right hand and holds his Mother’s chin with the left hand.The depiction is often shown in reverse. The Greek word glykophilousa means ‘gently loving, sweetly kissing: ‘vsysgranie in Russian means ‘playing with the child’.

Joachim and Anna

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:48:59 +0200

The Golden Gate in Jerusalem was a meeting place for Anna and Joachim. This icon is also called ‘The tender meeting’; the name ‘The conception of Mary’ was sometimes used.

Guardian angel (Michael)

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:48:13 +0200

A favourite icon in Russia since the 17th century, especially among the Old Believers. In his right hand the cross of blessing and in his left hand the sword (symbol of protection). As an independent pictorial motif the depiction first finds its way to the Christian East in the late middle ages. Psalm 91 verse 11 says: ‘For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.’

The Resurrection

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:47:18 +0200

The original icon was kept in the Byzantine museum in Corfu Town (Kerkyra). Christ is raising Joseph from Hades on his arm; Mary, the kings of Israel and John the Baptist look on. On Anastasis icons devils are often depicted as small, black human beings with wings and hair standing on end, being punished by an angel in Hades.

Mother of God Dumilenije

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:46:31 +0200

This icon is originally from a Serbian painter, has no playful details and the Mother of God looks sterner. The icon was painted at the time of King Dusan, who was a son of Stefan Decanski. He had the church of the Decani monastery built as a mausoleum for himself. The famous monastery church is rich in frescos and has a complete iconostasis.

Mother of God of the Burning Bush

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:45:00 +0200

The theme of this icon comes from Exodus 3, in which God orders Moses to lead his people out of Egypt to freedom. Each image and each text has an eschatological character, pointing to the things of the future, of eternity.

Jerusalimskaya Mother of God

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:43:47 +0200

Mother of God with Child

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:42:22 +0200

This type of icon is usually called ‘Madre della Conzolazione’, Mother of the Consolation, and perhaps derives from the Byzantine Hodigitria type (though the Child is sitting on the Mother’s right arm). The icon could be from the Cretan-Venetian school. This depiction is very widespread in East and West.

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.

The Birth of Christ

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:18:49 +0100

The Christ-child lies in a manger in a cave with the ox and ass behind. Mary lies on a red carpet among the rocks and plants. Three Kings and shepherds are depicted as is the washing of the Christ-child. Joseph is being addressed by a shepherd. Saint Eudoxia, John Lestwitschnik and St Juliana are depicted above. The middle figure is better known as John Climacus.The icon is from the Novgorod school.

The Mother of God enthroned

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:18:13 +0100

This icon is originally early Byzantine and probably came into being for liturgical reasons. The Mother of God sits on a throne with Christ on her lap, one hand on his shoulder and the other at his feet. Christ is depicted with his right hand in blessing and in his left hand he holds a scroll. Above are two angels in a medallion.

Mother of God with Child

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:17:28 +0100

Christ the Pantokrator

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:16:42 +0100

Christ the Redeemer and Giver of Life, originally painted by Metropolitan John Zographos. This half-portrait icon of Christ, with the right hand held up in blessing and a splendid Bible in the left hand, corresponds with the Pantokrator iconography. The wording on the border of the icon reads: ‘The icon of our Lord Jesus Christ was painted in the year 1393-1394’.

Deesis Triptych

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:16:10 +0100

A triptych of the Deesis Group of Procopius Chirin and Nicephorus Savin. The left panel depicts from right to left the Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel and the Apostle Peter. The middle panel depicts the Lord Sabaoth with the child Emannuel, also known as the Lord of Hosts. The right panel depicts from left to right John the Baptist, the Angel Gabriel and Saint Paul.

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.

Our Lady of Kykkos

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:14:51 +0100

The Mother of God Eleousa

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:13:59 +0100

This Eleousa – Our Lady of Tenderness – is a superb example of the Cretan school which combines Italian and Byzantine elements. The face is harmonious by Byzantine standards, with a finely proportioned nose, a narrow mouth and clear eyes with dazzling white. However, the modelling of the face and hands is undisputedly Italian.

The Virgin of Jaroslavl

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

In this Eleousa icon, the relationship between mother and child is expressed in feelings of mutual intimacy. The child caresses his cheek against the cheek of his mother, gently holding her chin. The Christ Child is sitting on his mother’s right hand. In spite of her little son’s caresses, the Virgin’s expression, filled with foreboding for her son and the agony that awaits him, ranges from melancholic to deeply sorrowful.

The Virgin with Child

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:12:39 +0100

This icon is probably derived from the Palech school. During the Tsarist regime, this picture was a very popular subject. The Orthodox icon type is easily recognized by the Virgin’s gesture, holding two fingers against her cheek. Christ is holding an opened parchment roll in his hand with the text: “Pass judgement in the last court with mercy and compassion.”

The Virgin Donskaya

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:11:30 +0100

Mary tilts her head towards the Christ Child, who is sitting on her right hand, his knees drawn up and his bare legs on the left arm of his mother, who gathers his robe around him. The Christ Child puts his cheek against the cheek of his mother and holds his right hand out in blessing, while keeping his gaze fixed on his mother’s face.

The Virgin Pelagonitissa

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:10:57 +0100

The Virgin Pelagonitissa was originally painted by Makarios Zographos in 1422. Makarios, who belonged to the group of painters of his bishop brother and monumental painter Jovan, shows the Christ Child playfully embracing his mother, while turning at the same time to an admirer or observer. The face of Mary is painted in a very serious style that is typical of the Byzantine tradition.

The Virgin with Child

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:10:08 +0100

The Descent into Limbo (The Anastasis / The Resurrection)

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:09:11 +0100

In the Eastern Orthodox church the resurrection of Christ is represented above all by his descent into Hell. Christ has shattered the gates of Hell, bearing the cross in left hand. With his right hand he grasps Adam and pulls him first out of Hades. The figures in the top left include King David, King Solomon, Daniel and John the Baptist. Those in the top left include Eve and Moses. Below Christ is Hades, represented by a dark abyss containing the shattered doors and parts of their locks and hinges.

The Deesis Tier on seven panels

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:08:36 +0100

In the centre of the middle panel, Christ Pantocrator is depicted with the symbols of the four evangelists: the Eagle - John, the Angel - Mark, the Bull - Luke and the Lion - Matthew. The three panels to the left depict Mary, the angel Michael and the apostle Peter. To the right are John the Baptist, the angel Gabriel and the apostle Paul.

The Virgin Donskaya

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:08:02 +0100

This icon is of the Eleousa type and depicts the Virgin’s love for her Son. Their heads are bent towards each other and touch. Sometimes the hand of the child caresses the cheek of his mother or embraces her around her neck.

The Saviour

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:07:00 +0100

Christ is in the centre in half-figure, his right hand extending a blessing and his left hand holding an open bible with the text: John 8:12, John 11:25-26 and John 12:36. “I am the light of the world”, “he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”, “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”

The Raising of the Prophet Elijah

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:05:39 +0100

Under fiery clouds, through which Elijah ascends to heaven in a chariot drawn by several horses, scenes depict his life. At the bottom right, Elijah, awaiting his death, lies on a bed while an angel exhorts him once again to have courage. To the left is his disciple Elisha, shown stretching his hands out to Elijah.

The Virgin Vladimirskaya

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:04:58 +0100

This icon, painted in Constantinople for the ruler Isyaslav of Kiev, arrived in Kiev in 1132. From there it was taken away by his son Bogolyubski to his residence in Vladimir, from which the icon Vladimirskaya takes its name. In 1315 the Eleousa icon finally arrived in Moscow, where it consoled and heartened soldiers during several wars, and became known as the The Mother of Russian Soil.

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.

The Virgin with Child (Our Lady of Sorrows)

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:03:20 +0100

This icon differs from the traditional Virgin icons in the colours it uses. The headdress is also different. The icon’s origin is unknown

The Virgin Jerusalimskaya

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:02:30 +0100

The archetypal icon, which is supposed to be the work of the evangelist Luke, came in 455 from Jerusalem via Constantinople to Kiev. The ruler Vladimir gave the icon as a gift to the citizens of Novgorod when they converted to Christianity. After Ivan the Terrible had subjugated Novgorod, he took the Virgin as booty to Moscow.

The Virgin Hodegetria

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

The Virgin with Child

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:00:41 +0100

The Virgin with the Christ Child is sitting on a richly decorated seat. To the left and right are the angels Gabriel and Michael.

The Virgin Orans of Jaroslavl

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:59:57 +0100

The Virgin Orans of Jaroslavl belongs to one of the earliest pictures of Mary. In this icon, Mary is depicted in a praying pose (with raised hands). In front of Mary in the clypeus, Jesus also raises his hands. This archetypal icon originated from Constantinople, in the then district of Blachernitissa. On either side of Mary’s face, angels are depicted in medallions.

Saint Catherine

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

The Holy Hierarchy

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:58:32 +0100

To the left in the foreground are the patriarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostomos. To the right in the foreground are the holy healers Cosmos and Damianus. To the left and right at the top are the holy warriors Gregory and Demitrius, and in the centre at the top is the Mandylion.

St. Nicholas with Scenes from his life

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:57:58 +0100

In the middle St. Nicholas is depicted in all his finery. His right hand makes a gesture of blessing and his left hand holds the book of the Gospels. On the left panel the young St. Nicholas heals the arm of a woman. Underneath his baptism is depicted and he is already preaching a sermon. At the top of the right panel the young St. Nicholas is taught by his uncle. Underneath he is preventing the execution of three citizens of Mira.

The Deesis

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:57:17 +0100

Part of the extensive Deesis from Saint Catherine’s monastery in the Sinai. Christ is flanked by Mary and John the Baptist, whose hands stretch towards Christ, begging for mercy for all mankind.

The Apostle Mark

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:56:30 +0100

This icon is part of the large Deesis from the Chilandariou monastery on the Athos peninsula in Greece.

The Apostle Matthew

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:55:54 +0100

This icon is part of the large Deesis from the Chilandariou monastery on the Athos peninsula in Greece.

The Apostle Paul

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:55:18 +0100

This icon is part of the large Deesis from the Chilandariou monastery on the Athos peninsula in Greece.

The Apostle John

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:54:47 +0100

This icon is part of the large Deesis from the Chilandariou monastery on the Athos peninsula in Greece.

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.

The Saviour

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:53:21 +0100

Christ the Saviour and Giver of Life, originally painted by John Zographos. This half-figure of Christ, his right hand extended in blessing and his left hand holding a beautiful bible, corresponds to the Pantocrator icons. The text in the icon border states: “The icon of Jesus Christ our Lord was painted in the year 1393-1394.”

The Dormition

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:52:42 +0100

Behind the elongated deathbed of Mary surrounded by mourning apostles is a large image of Christ with the soul of his mother on his arm, completely surrounded by an aureole. Above his head is an angel with six wings. The two bishops could be Hierotheos and Dionysius, who were both disciples of Paul and bishop of Athens.

Christ in Majesty

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:51:56 +0100

Dressed in beautiful robes and a crown-like headdress, Christ sits on the throne which his Father has prepared for him in heaven. The cross of his suffering has been changed into the sceptre of his majesty and dominion.

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 Descent into Limbo (The Resurrection)

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:50:28 +0100

The resurrected Christ is standing in the light flooding down from above, over the abyss of darkness, where the broken doors and hinges are still visible. Christ has liberated from hell the forefathers and Kings of the Old Testament, now standing behind him, as well as Eve. Finally Christ pulls out Adam into the light of mercy. Above, angels soar with the Cross and tools of torture in their hands. The picture is traditional.

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 Entry into Jerusalem

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

The Raising of Lazarus

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:48:40 +0100

The most impressive miracle done by Jesus in the presence of his disciples and followers was the raising of Lazarus, who had already been in his grave for three days. This event was celebrated by the earliest Christian communities as a prophecy of the resurrection of Christ himself. In spite of all the people in the icon, it emanates an atmosphere of serenity and one’s eye is drawn to Christ, pointing with his arm to Lazarus raised from the dead.

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 Circumcision of Christ

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:46:34 +0100

The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the circumcision of Christ on the 1st of January. Icons with this theme are quite rare, and the origin of this one is St. Petersburg. In the Bible, only the evangelist Luke describes this event. Luke 2:21

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.

The Virgin Emmanuel

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:44:14 +0100

This icon belongs to one of the very earliest pictures of the Virgin Mary. It is taken from the Book of Isaiah 7:7-14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Saint Nicholas and Mary Egyptica are depicted either side of the icon. After the Reformation in Russia in 989, this icon became the most important one in Novgorod.

The Annunciation

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:43:38 +0100

The Angel Gabriel tells Mary that the Holy Ghost shall come upon her and she will bring forth a son. It is taken from Luke 1:26-38. This icon is almost always placed in the centre of the iconostasis.

The old testament Trinity

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 12:42:48 +0100

Geboorte van Christus

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:34:50 +0100

Christus ligt in een voerbak in de grot. De moeder Gods ligt op een rustbed. Linksonder krijgt het kind zijn eerste bad. Daarnaast zit Jozef in gepeins verzonken met een herder tegenover zich. Linksboven de drie Wijzen te paard, wijzende op de ster van Bethlehem. Boven de grot de hemelse legerscharen prijzende God. Rechts verkondigt een engel de geboorte aan de herders. Lucas 2 vers 1-20.

Icoon 1

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:14:46 +0100

Dit is een icoon

Trinity (banquet of Abraham)

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:00:38 +0200

The bridal couple and the Eiffel Tower

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:00:23 +0200

Over the moon

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:00:18 +0200

Jona and the whale

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:00:17 +0200

The Creation

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:52:23 +0200

Me and the Village

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:50:42 +0200

Ark of Noah

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:24:13 +0200

Carnaval

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:23:22 +0200

Zodiac 2

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:21:47 +0200

Zodiac 1

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:20:40 +0200

Siren with palm

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:29:26 +0200

Nephthali

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:28:01 +0200

The Kite

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:26:56 +0200

The Violin Player

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:26:01 +0200

The Juggler

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:25:00 +0200

The Clown

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:24:05 +0200

Above Vitebsk

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:23:01 +0200

The Congratulations

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:21:10 +0200

Self Portrait

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:15:42 +0200

Making an icon painting

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:31:57 +0100

Repetition of an icon painting

Repetition is in the nature of an icon. After all, it represents an unchanged portrait, of persons or events, so that the believer will recognize it from afar as an icon. The predefined shapes and lines of an icon have templates and overprints as the basis. Painting books provide detailed instructions on how to repeat an icon painting. Producing an icon is considered to be a sacred act, and the icon painter is expected to prepare his inner self for the task. He needs to be aware that he paints according to a long and ancient tradition and he is bound to strict rules. It isn’t about individual creativity, as he is merely an intermediary. The painting of an icon could be considered as a repetition of the creation. The painter’s skills are subordinate to the symbolism; the creation was an event from darkness towards the light. We see this too in the way the icon is painted, from dark to light.

Exhibitions

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:30:42 +0100

Through the years my painted icons where exhibited on many ocassions, sometimes accompanied by lectures. Below you can find a list of these exhibitions and lectures.

Exhibitions

2002 - Lunteren
2003 - Bennekom
2004 - Geertruidenberg
2005 - Achterveld
2005 - Gouda
2007 - Twello
2007 - Brummen
2008 - Lunteren
2011 - Bennekom
2013 - Rheden
2013 - Vianen
2015 - Epse
2016 - Lunteren
2018 - Bennekom

Lectures with Exhibitions

Lunteren
Veenendaal
Achterveld
Bergen (NH)
Apeldoorn
Twello
Arkel
Bennekom
Brummen
Ede
Oosterhout
Gorssel
Loenen
Wageningen
Utrecht