Prototipul și icoana în arta sacră

Abstract

In the Byzantine iconography a standardization of the forms of the saints was created, especially of the facial features. The form of representation of each Saint is fixed, and varies to some extent, depending on the icon. These standardized, fixed shapes are called prototypes. Icons are usually called images made on a hard surface (mainly on lime wood covered with primer - gesso). The Seventh Ecumenical Synod formed the main directions of representation in iconography, which to this day continues its tradition in Christian countries. Byzantine art from the beginning and forever is principally - anthropomorphic. The prototypes of Byzantine iconography are the result of centuries of searching for the plastic concept and the application of the most successful principles. The fact that Byzantine iconography faithfully followed the old prototypes, as they developed, preserved the authenticity of the initial representation and freshness of the icons of the century, with certain identity, stylistic imprints of each era or geographical area.