Egg Tempera Icons

What is egg tempera paint?

Traditionally, icons have been painted with egg tempera - ground precious and semiprecious stones mixed with egg yolk. These icons are esteemed for their unmatched longevity, brilliant optical luminosity, and deep historical tradition.

These paints are made by the icon painter himself. The process is often referred to as "creation of paints" because the paint must not flake nor contain even the tiniest grains — it has to be homogeneous enough to be considered a "new substance".

Apart from the icons shown in our catalog, you may have an icon painted according to your own sample. Please note that it will take at least a month to paint an icon, depending on its complexity.

• Icons of Christ

• Blessed Virgin Mary icons

• Icons of Saints (male)

• Icons of Saints (female)

• Angels and Archangels icons

• Feast day icons

• Family icons, wedding icons, namesake icons, measure icons, church icons, etc.

A glass-fronted icon case (kiot) is highly recommended to protect your icon against adverse conditions. It will not only protect it from dust but also mitigate the damaging effects of humidity and temperature fluctuations. We strongly advise you to order an icon case if you plan to allow public access to the icon (e.g., place it in the church for veneration).

Reach out to us via our email or fill in the custom icon order form stating all your needs and preferences. We will contact you shortly after you place an order to confirm it and specify the final cost.