Icons: Symbols of Humanity’s Spiritual Nature
From earliest times, spiritual subjects have been a dominant theme in art, from early man’s crude pictographs to the delicate, luminous works of the Renaissance. Today’s artists continue to explore spirituality in their work. Those who don’t depict religious icons and other spiritual subjects often find spirituality in their art as they touch on humanity’s search for meaning and purpose.
The word icon is taken from the Greek , meaning “image.” Today’s definition of the word has also broadened to include non-religious figures and subjects as well, in such a wide range that anything from actors to soft drinks might be considered a cultural icon that is representative of our times.
Within the context of religion, an icon might be an image, picture, or other spiritual representation, depicted in any number of art forms.
However, great religious leaders of various faiths are recognized as icons for their spiritual leadership, or other qualities like their service to humanity. They set an example to follow in the same way an artist’s religious work is a reflection of society’s spiritual values and faith.
Religious icons take various forms. Oil paintings on small wooden panels, common in Eastern Orthodoxy and certain other Christian traditions, are specifically known as “icons”. Usually, the painting depicts a spiritual figure like Jesus (often on the Cross). Others might show his mother, Mary, or one of the saints and angels that are held in high regard by members of that particular religion.
However, religious icons in general can be found in metal work of all kinds, as well as stone carvings, mosaics, and embroidery and print. Historically, two- and three-dimensional religious icons have been part of almost every religion in the world. Hinduism, for example, is imbued with the rich iconography called murti.
But other religions place severe limits on the use of any religious representations. Such restrictions have occasionally had great historical consequences. When Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell led a revolt in England, religious icons were virtually a symbol of the conflict. Puritans objected to Catholic use of rituals, religious statues and other ornaments, referring to them as "popish pomp and rags." Repercussions continue to this day, as Cromwell’s many brutalities against Catholics are still bitterly remembered in Catholic Ireland.
The use of religious statuary and icons was, to a degree, symbolic of much of the religious unrest that occurred throughout Europe during the rise of Protestantism and other Christian faiths.
Today, some religious cults and cultures, including certain Native American peoples, consider specific objects sacred and worthy of veneration or worship. The Quechua of western South America worship mountains and the earth itself. Among other religions, the tenets of each individual faith or spiritual practice determine whether spiritual art may be used for ornament, instruction, or inspiration.
Some Christian religions still limit the use of icons to some degree. Protestant faiths allow for the use of religious icons and spiritual art for teaching and inspiration, but the images are not venerated. Many Protestants exclude these icons from their church sanctuaries. Among other faiths, Islam is noted for placing severe limits on depictions of religious icons.
But it was the Catholic faith that dominated European politics, education and daily life until the rise of Protestantism. The Church’s long tradition of patronizing artists is a legacy to modern art lovers the world over. By subsidizing fine artists, the Church encouraged greatness in all forms of art. Today’s Roman Catholic Church
continues to make use of religious icons which reflect styles ranging from traditional to modern, styles which continue keep pace with changes in the secular art world.
- Kathleen M. Cruden © 2006
