Icons

The imagination and creativity of the artist are clearly held in check by the iconographic canon. This is a set of rules (gathered from the Gospels and Tradition) that clearly define details such as color scheme, attire, and gestures. It should also be clearly emphasized that icons are written, not painted. Icons represent the sacred, spiritual realm, which is surreal for humans. They are meant to inspire reflection and prayer.

Icons are a symbol of the human soul and deep faith within us

These beautiful images are a special type of sacred art associated with the Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches. Their history dates back to Byzantium and is closely linked to the history of the ecumenical councils. It was these councils that clearly and precisely defined the style of depicting figures. Furthermore, the council's resolutions created and specified how to distinguish drawings from icons. The most important characteristic element of icons is the depiction of God-Man in glory and honor. After the fall of Byzantium, icon writing began to flourish in Rus'. The greatest bloom is dated to the 15th and 16th centuries. This was a very tumultuous time in Russian history, the reign of Ivan IV the Terrible, the end of the Rurik dynasty, the Time of Troubles, and the beginning of the Romanov dynasty.

Due to their distinctive appearance and depiction of figures, icons cannot be mistaken for any other sacred image.

Writing or painting icons?

Icon writing is a vast knowledge of symbols, archetypes, and topoi. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to speak of creating these works of art. An important element is the inscriptions—the signature of the person depicted. Most are done in decorative script, known as ligature, and words are often abbreviated, as in Old Church Slavonic texts. The most well-known motif appearing in icons worldwide is Christ Pantocrator, the Almighty, who holds the Holy Scripture in one hand and blesses with the other. On the other hand, we have the image of the Mother of God—Our Lady of Vladimir, who embraces the Child. The rich pantheon of saints, including Saint George, cannot be overlooked.

On what occasion is a sacred icon given?

On what occasion are icons given? The first is undoubtedly baptism. Usually, an image of the patron or patroness is presented. Another important event is a wedding. In the Orthodox rite, a pair of icons (with the image of the Mother of God and Jesus Christ) is the first gift for the new shared path of life. During the church service, icons are blessed, and they are also used to bless the young couple.

It is worth noting that although icons are unequivocally associated with the church, there are many Catholic churches in Poland where icons are found in the main altar. The most important include: the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa (the Black Madonna) – the sanctuary in Częstochowa, and the image of Our Lady of Licheń – the basilica in Licheń. The largest museum in Poland is located in Supraśl.

How are religious icons created?

If you are wondering why religious icons have relatively high prices compared to other paintings, we must enlighten you on how they are created. These unique images with depictions of saints are one of the most important elements of culture in Poland. The technique of painting them does not rely on a sketch filled with paint but requires precision, appropriate artistic tools, and a substrate. Religious icons can be created on canvas or carved in stone. However, the most common substrate is cleaned cedar or cypress wood. The scenes on them always reflect religious motifs, related to faith, such as the cross, prayers, love, but also depict figures like Mary, the Mother of God, Jesus, Christ Pantocrator, the Faithful, God, and their lives.

Wood has also historically been very important in the process of creating a religious icon. First, it was necessary to ensure its purity, then attach a canvas to it, create the artwork on it, and secure it with varnish. A brief description of this process might give the illusion that it is a simple task, but contrary to appearances, icons from several hundred years ago were painted over months. Moreover, to claim that certain works belong to religious icons, they had to be created step by step, according to detailed and strict descriptions in manuals. The technique of painting icons has remained almost unchanged to this day. It is referred to as writing religious icons. Most often, icons depicting saints are created in monasteries, but also by distinguished artists known as Iconographers. Today, icons from manufacturers like Artina and Credan s.a are highly valued worldwide.

Each icon is written with extraordinary reverence. It is an act full of tradition, dedicated to prayer, reflecting the innocence of Mary, love for God, and striving for eternity. All scenes depicted in the icon are painted with exceptional care. Their motifs are created only using natural ingredients and pigments. The natural paints used to write religious icons are made from metal, stones, ash, and clay. The most important pigment for painting religious icons is egg tempera.

What do sacred and religious icons depict?

Religious icons are associated with faith, beliefs, the life of Jesus Christ, and images of saints. They refer to tradition. Believers, known as Iconographers, who write religious icons in monasteries and churches, treat it as losing themselves in prayer and an individual conversation with God. They maintain purity of spirit and thought. This is very important to them, as it guides them towards eternity. On their icons, they most often write scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the saints. There are many religious icons depicting scenes where Christ Pantocrator is seated on a throne. Also significant are motifs featuring the Mother of God, Mary, and the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

Sacred icons have depicted the same religious motifs for centuries. Interestingly, the motifs and image of Jesus have remained unchanged for years. Both the Iconographer from the 4th century, when the icon was first described, and the one who creates written icons today, depict him in a similar way. The same goes for images of saints. It is worth noting that supposedly the first religious icon was created by Jesus himself.

The Most Popular Saints in Religious Icons

Icons with images of saints, written about their lives, are the most popular. They are quite often purchased as gifts, for example, for jubilees. Those made on wood, painted with ash or egg tempera, or carved in stone, are most frequently added to the cart by customers of our Luxury Products store. They look for them in the categories of exclusive gifts and antiques and art.

The most sought-after images of saints are the Mother of God and Jesus. They are often accompanied by Joseph and motifs of the holy family. Scenes from their lives are eagerly painted by artists, as they are an element of our culture, pointing towards a life where purity of heart and soul reigns.

The most commonly chosen images of saints besides Jesus, which are painted on icons:

• religious icon of Saint Camillus, patron of the sick
• icon of Saint Paul, patron of cities and sailors
• icon of Saint Nicholas of Myra, patron of all in need
• icon of Saint George, martyr and patron of warriors
• icon of Saint Pantaleon, patron of doctors, nurses, and those who feel lonely in their lives
• icon of Saint Menas, patron of the holy family and travelers
• icon of Saint Spyridon, patron of potters and sailors, it is worth mentioning that this saint appears in the Orthodox Church
• icon of the Guardian Angel
  

It is also worth noting that the Virgin Mary appears in many dimensions on the depictions of religious icons. She is usually represented as Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Pochayiv, Our Lady of Kalwaria, from Medjugorje, and Matrona of Moscow. Religious icons of the Holy Trinity are also quite popular.

All the religious icons mentioned above, featuring images of Saints, Mary, Christ, and God, were painted by iconographers in Italy or Spain and are available on our Luxury Products website. If you wish, a special dedication from you can be placed on the inner side of the icons, for the person you want to gift these religious icons to.

Most Popular Icons of Jesus Christ

The most popular religious icons depicting Christ show him on a throne, as Almighty God, Lord, and ruler of the entire world. The most common figures around him are images of saints and his Mother. He is also often accompanied by a cross, which is a symbol of Jesus' suffering for our sins. Another depiction of Jesus Christ on an icon is his presence as a member of the Holy Trinity, encouraging daily prayer and conversation with God, as he himself is.

In Poland, religious icons depicting Christ are very popular, as are the figures of saints. Our Luxury Products store imports them from Italy and Spain, centers of religious and Catholic and Orthodox culture. We offer religious icons whose wood is of the highest quality, as is the writing of the religious icons and their finish. They depict the life of Jesus Christ and the saints. They often have silver frames, which give the icon elegance and dignity. We offer religious icons made from luxurious, exclusive materials, making them elegant and chic. They are suitable as gifts and for hanging in a central place in the home. Moreover, we have no issues with the availability of individual religious icons, whether depicting the Holy Trinity, Mary, images of saints and their lives, or Jesus, God.

The religious icons we offer you in our Luxury Products store, depicting the figures of saints and the life of Christ, God, come from esteemed manufacturers in Italy and Spain. These collections are produced according to traditional, artisanal sacred art. Their manufacturer guarantees original cedar wood, pure gold, and silver, which highlight the high and precise craftsmanship of the product, as well as the handmade nature of the product and its high quality. It guarantees that there will be no cracks, and the colors will not fade. The religious icons from our collection are the perfect gift for jubilees and all kinds of holidays, especially those religious ones related to our beliefs. In Poland, such a gift is particularly appreciated, as it emphasizes the solemnity of the given holiday.

Icon Center in Poland and Worldwide

Icons can be admired in sacred places such as monasteries, churches, basilicas, cathedrals, and especially in Orthodox churches. The most are found in Europe, in Italy, where there are schools of icon painting, and in Spain. Malta, also considered a Christian state, is a center of religious icons. In local churches and Orthodox churches, you can find famous icons with saints from Greece and Syria. The world-renowned 12th-century Icon of Our Lady of Damascus is located in the Orthodox Church in Valletta. In Malta, you can also see the Icon of Our Lady of Mercy. In Poland, the Sanctuary of Jasna Góra is considered the center of religious icons, where the so-called "Miraculous Image" of Our Lady of Częstochowa is located. This icon was supposedly painted by Saint Luke himself. Moreover, it has made the Basilica where it is located famous, and the majority of pilgrimages aim to see this icon. It is also worth mentioning the Museum of Icons in Supraśl, where the permanent exhibition includes, among others, the Icon of Christ the Great High Priest from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as Icons of Archangel Michael and Aaron the Prophet and High Priest.

On What Occasion to Gift?

Religious icons are a wonderful, luxurious, and exquisite sacred gift. They can be given for both Holy Communion and various jubilees. Hand-painted icons will not only look beautiful but also serve as a long-term investment for a young person. Especially those finished with silver and gold accents, and written on original cypress or cedar wood. An image of God holds special significance for older people, seniors who place great importance on faith and having devotional items—religious icons—in their collections. Each icon brings them additional joy and a smile, offering a chance for prayer that brings peace of mind and faith in a better future, better health, and protection for their remaining life. Christ Pantocrator holds great importance for them, as they believe that at the end of their lives, they will be judged fairly for the good they have done. Each icon has a different meaning for them. Saints provide peace of mind and faith that there are people in the universe watching over them, bearing witness to their faith. Religious icons can also be given as gifts for holidays, both Easter and Christmas. Simply check which icons are available at Luxury Products.

Young people in Poland view religious icons not only as elements of their faith, devotional items, and symbols offering a unique protection for their soul and thoughts against evil forces, but also as an investment and security for their future. Religious icons from renowned workshops located in Spain or Italy, painted by outstanding and well-known iconographers, have significant value that increases over time. Each sacred image has its own price, depending on the type of wood used, the process of writing, whether the icon is adorned with silver or gold, whether it depicts Christ Pantocrator, or showcases images of saints or other sacred figures.

For a child's gift

Writing religious icons as gifts for children holds special significance for the craftsmen performing this work. Young art connoisseurs are the most discerning and critical reviewers. For many children in Poland, religious icons are the only opportunity for prayer, as they may not have the chance to attend sacred services due to the lack of a church in their area. Therefore, we offer them religious icons not only depicting Christ but also Guardian Angels. These beings are meant to extend their protection over children, shielding them from evil and guarding them against danger.

Religious icons are the perfect gift for christenings, Holy Communion, confirmation, and even the birth of a child. An icon can be given by grandparents, aunts, and especially godparents or confirmation sponsors. Choose religious icons at Luxury Product and enjoy high quality, guaranteed by the manufacturer.

We offer shopping in a pleasant, homely atmosphere. We guarantee the availability of all icons listed on our Luxury Products website, and delivery will occur promptly after the payment for the purchased religious icons is processed.

How to order images of Christ and saints written at Luxury Products?

Each producer whose religious icons we present and offer on our Luxury Products website is renowned worldwide in the field of iconography. The icons painted by artisans depict both the life of Christ, Christ the ruler of the universe seated on a throne, as well as saints, the Mother of God, the Holy Family, the Holy Spirit, and Angels. A novelty we offer is sets of icons that can be given as gifts, for example, to twins. Each icon featuring figures is beautifully framed, often in silver frames, enhancing its craftsmanship and elegance. The religious icons made by our producers are of the highest quality; the wood on which they are painted has no cracks and is specially protected, with a guarantee provided by each producer. We also inform you daily about the availability of individual religious icons; if an icon is sold out on a given day, we notify you. Enter our menu, find the product you are interested in by category and filter option, and add the selected religious icons to your cart. You can also search by product name, and it's up to you which option you choose. We have provided several options to make it easier for you to make a choice and find the selected product and icons.