Byzantine Iconography

Book excerpt: The Byzantine Iconography book, highlights the development of iconography through the ages, and its spiritual connotations. The particular elements of the Byzantine style are described as well as the characteristic method of presenting perspective and color application to create tridimensional effects. Some of the oldest and best known icons are shown; and how latter painters rendered the prototype maintaining the identity of the original subject. Insight on the multiple factors allows the reader to reach a deeper understanding of this rich artistic style, of increasing popularity. The second part of the book is a painter's manual with detailed instructions on the several steps required to paint icons, including how to prepare the gesso board, transfer of image, application of multiple color layers and application of gold leaf backgrounds.