Icon Analysis

The Nativity Icon

First Impressions

• The first thing that catches my eye is Baby Jesus in what seems to be a metal box
• Classic Nativity characters are present with the three wise men on the left, animals immediately to the right, and Mary to the left.
• There seems to a figure on the right of the mountain asking for help/guidance
• There is a tree growing out the barren mud in the very bottom
• The sizes of the figures vary greatly, even if they are next to each other

Second time examining the icon

• With the birth of Jesus being depicted, it is easy to feel drawn into Christmas time, more specifically the liturgical event of the Nativity of Christ
• By being placed near a lamb, there is symbolism that Jesus is the new Lamb of God
• Mary laying down shows the is extremely tired after her long journey and giving birth to the Lord’s son
• The devil is in disguise attempting to communicate with Joseph

Insights

• By looking at this image, I can reflect upon how tired Mary looks in this image. This can serve as a reminder that work and effort needs to be put into a life devoted to God.
• With Mary’s body open to the viewer, she is inviting us in even though this child is her own. She understands that her child is not just for her benefit, but also for the benefit of all other humans. Keeping this in mind, one can understand that their works may be gifts to the world, and enjoyed by others more than themselves.
• With the devil hiding in a disguise, it serves as a strong reminder to us that the devil can tempt us in many ways. While they may not seem like devilish temptations at first, this things can quickly become evil with too much use, or improper penance

The Crucifixion Icon

First Impressions

• Jesus is extremely elongated and seems to be very skinny
• There are six angels coming down from the sky, four of which are facing the east
• A cave with what appears to be a face is shown underneath the cross of Jesus
• There is a bright sky which signifies purity and the Lord, also serves as a juxtaposition to the dark skies which are soon to follow
• Jesus and Mary both possess halos around their heads

Second time examining the icon

• Jesus, who is the Son of God, presents himself to the Lord as the Son of man. This choice allows for him to become the subject of sin
• Although he is coming to his death, Jesus shows now extreme agony and still has the holiness about him
• By depicting the crucifixion of Jesus, the creator of the icon is able to make viewers think about the Sacred Paschal Triduum. This is arguably the holiest time of the Church’s year. By looking at this image, one is called to recall and contemplate the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus
• Some of the arms of the cross indicate the fate of the thieves which are to the right and left of Jesus

Insights

• This icon can remind viewers about having absolute faith in the Lord and trusting his commands. Similar to when Abraham was instructed to kill his son, we must put all faith into the Lord who knows best for us, even if it seems at the time that there are “better” options
• With Jesus being crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, only his most faithful followers went out to see him. This serves as a reminder that one must do things that take time out of their day like going to mass and praying to the Lord. While these things may seem like annoyances that take up a lot of time, they are actually crucial to showing and growing one’s faith to God.

The Accession

First Impressions

• Jesus looks smaller in size compared to Mary and the Apostles
• Mary is at the direct center of the page, only in line with Jesus. She is also directly underneath Jesus as he rises into heaven.
• The apostles are all looking up while Mary makes direct eye contact with the power of three piece
• The angles are carrying Jesus to the right hand of the Lord

Second time examining the icon

• There is a triangle between the hands of the angles and the feet of Mary, signifying the Holy Trinity
• Jesus’s left hand is holding scriptures, signifying that the Bible is the word of God and should be treated as such
• Mary is surrounded even by the apostles, showing that she is the root of Jesus and is pure
• This icon is also apart of Easter time and reminds those who view it about the hardships Jesus went through to atone for our sins

Insights

• Upon meditating on this image, one could draw from it the power of the Lord and faith. The circle that surrounds Mary, Jesus, the Apostles, and the angles is not fully encaptured on the canvas. This could speak that those who view it are invited to partake in worshiping the Lord and living a Christian lifestyle
• Another thing that could be drawn from this icon is the power of scripture. With so much reading done in the day to day world, it can be easy for one to think that scriptures are on the same level as one’s history textbook. Scriptures are the word of the Lord and should be treated with the Holy respect that they deserve. They are essential for Catholics to live a Holy life.