Christ the Good Shepherd Icon

The summary about icon

The image of a Good Shepherd is one of the first symbolic depictions of Jesus Christ. This icon has several layers of symbolism because it reminds both of the pastoral role of Christ and of Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes upon himself the sins of the world.

The icon, based on the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Saint John, represents the words of Christ: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).  

In ancient Israel sheep breeding and agriculture, played a great role, and that's why the symbols and characters inspired by the shepherd's life were familiar to everyone. 

From His role as a good shepherd, the Savior emphasizes His care for each member of His flock and His willingness to sacrifice His life for them.  

Nowadays the use of the words "flock" and "sheep" may have a negative connotation and be associated with a mindless crowd that is easy to manipulate. However, in the Bible, these terms have a completely different meaning. In the Gospel, sheep symbolize humble, merciful, and patient righteous . When John the Baptist met the Lord, he called Him the Lamb of God, comparing the Savior to a lamb or a lamb.  

Sheep, despite their good qualities, are helpless without a caring shepherd: they may go astray or get into the clutches of predators. Similarly, man, relying only on himself, is condemned to spiritual destruction and gets into the hands of the devil, who, as the apostle Peter points out, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8).  

The inscription on this icon can be made in any language.

Materials

Christ the Good Shepherd icon is painted using the following materials:

tempera paints, lime, pine, or alder board, gesso, colored wax, gold leaf, linseed oil, hide glue, varnishes (mordant, kauri gum, acryl-styrolic).

Decorations

This icon has a hand-carved rectangular central panel. The margins, the halo, the background, and other elements are covered with gold leaf.

It can be additionally adorned with wrought silver, a metal or a textile oklad, precious and semiprecious gemstones. We recommend putting this icon into an opening or a non-opening icon case.

Price & Deadlines

The final price of the icon of the Good Shepherd and the time it will take to paint it depend on its size and the complexity of its decoration. Once this icon is painted, it will be consecrated in St Elisabeth Convent.