Virgin Galaktotropoussa 1450

This image, Virgin Galaktotrophoussa, was created by Orthodox Icons, using tempera paint on a wooden panel. The making of an icon was an act of devotion, not just artistic expression. The surface is built up with gesso, a carefully prepared ground of plaster mixed with glue, and then polished smooth. Pigments were mixed with egg yolk to create tempera, lending a luminous quality to the colors. Gilding, using delicate gold leaf, adds a celestial aura. Layer upon layer, these materials transform a humble panel into an object of reverence. The skilled application of these traditional materials elevates the icon beyond mere representation, offering a glimpse into the divine. The value lies not just in the image, but in the labor, the materials, and the deeply embedded spiritual tradition. This piece challenges our ideas of art, reminding us of the power of making to embody belief.