Origin

The art of iconography comes from ancient times.

The prototypes of modern icons are the so-called "Fayum portraits" - funeral images from Ancient Egypt, dated back to the period I-IV AC.

In the 9th century, the rules of creating an icon, also known as the Orthodox Canon, were finally established in the Byzantine Empire. They regulate the way of depicting the saints and the colors, which, both with the gilding, have a symbolic meaning.

Orthodox icons are strongly stylized images with a sacred function, which are closely related to a church worship.

The canon, materials and technology of their production have remained unchanged over the centuries.

Technology

The traditional technology of creating an icon is a long process, consisting of several successive stages.

The wooden panel is prepared manually. A canvas is glued onto it, ensuring the strength of the primer.

Eight to twelve layers of primer are applied successively and after that the surface is carefully sanded. 

The image is drawn onto the finished base, the contours are carved with a sharp tool ( it’s the so-called "graphia") and the next step is the preparation for gilding.

The technique used to paint the icons, is egg tempera, which makes them extremely durable as works of art.

The final stage involves applying a varnish coating, which adds depth to the color and protection of the finished work.

Gilding

Gilding symbolizes the Divine light.

For that reason the author pays special attention to this process.

For creation of icons the oldest method is used -  water gilding on a base, consisting of red Armenian bole. Only it allows additional burnishing after applying of the gold leaves.

This is done manually with an agate tool until achieving a strong shine, which further enhances the beauty of this noble metal. For this process high-karat gold leaves are used, as well as real silver.

The icons created in Bulgaria and the Balkans from 13th to 19th century, were gilded in the same way. The method is also well known throughout Western Europe, but today it is seldom practicing due to its high cost and labor intensity.