Slavic Icons: Art, Symbolism, and History
In this course, you’ll delve into the fascinating world of Slavic icons, exploring the rich history, symbolism, and cultural significance behind these sacred works of art. Icons are not just beautiful pieces of art; they are deeply intertwined with religious, historical, and military events that shaped Eastern European and Slavic culture.
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Description
In this course, you’ll delve into the fascinating world of Slavic icons, exploring the rich history, symbolism, and cultural significance behind these sacred works of art. Icons are not just beautiful pieces of art; they are deeply intertwined with religious, historical, and military events that shaped Eastern European and Slavic culture.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the context in which these icons were created, learning how religious, political, and military forces influenced their design and themes. We’ll explore the intricate symbolism and colour schemes used in iconography, and how every detail carries a deeper spiritual and cultural message.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Appreciate the historical and religious forces that shaped Slavic icon painting;
- Understand the symbolic meanings behind the colours and details of icons;
- Identify key aspects such as the date, origin, and philosophical context of different icons;
- Decipher the message and purpose behind individual icons, helping you connect their art to the broader story of Slavic history and faith.
Course outline
- Week 1: Overview - The historical, religious, and cultural context of icons. An introduction to the symbolism of icons and the colour canon.
- Week 2: Military Themes - An examination of the function of icons as a way of making abstract principles into a concrete reality. The portrayal of medieval warrior saints in Byzantium. We also look at the new martyrs of the twentieth century in iconography.
- Week 3: Eve - A study of the iconography of Eve as the prototype of the ordinary woman. What icons reveal about how the Orthodox Church understood Eve. An introduction to the concept of the “New Eve”.
- Week 4: Mary - A study of the iconography of Mary as the perfect model to emulate. The nexus between Eve and Mary in Slavic Orthodoxy. What icons reveal about how the Orthodox Church understood Mary. The Last Judgement icons and the role of both Eve and Mary in the end times.
- Week 5: Churches, Monasteries, Cities - Context - annexation, options for a trip: what to see, practical tips, highlights of the churches and monasteries in different parts of Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Poland.
- Week 6: You are the Detective - using given examples, you will work out the meaning, date, city and philosophy of selected icons.
Who should attend?
This course offers both an artistic and intellectual journey into the heart of Slavic iconography, making it ideal for anyone interested in art, religion, history, or Eastern European culture.
About your tutor, Marina
Marina Pasichnik has a doctorate in Theology from the University of Auckland. She also holds degree qualifications in Music, Teaching and Law. She has presented her research at conferences in Romania, Poland, and New Zealand, and conducted iconographic field work in Russia. She is a published academic author.
