Icon of the Baptism of the Lord

Description

The feast of the Baptism, also known as the Theophany, is a remarkable moment when all Persons of the Holy Trinity revealed themselves: God the Father, whose voice thundered from the heavens; God the Son, embodied and receiving Baptism in the River Jordan; and the Holy Spirit, descending from above in the form of a dove.

The earliest mentions of the Baptism celebration date back to the 2nd century when Christmas and Theophany were observed on the same day. From the 4th century, when these celebrations became separate, the traditional iconography of the Baptism – Theophany – started to take shape. Initially, these were two-figure compositions portraying John the Forerunner and the Saviour. Christ appears at the centre, immersed in water, with John the Baptist to the left and a dove soaring above.

With time, angels began to be included on the left side of the icon, their number varying. They stand to the left, holding cloths—a symbolic nod to the deacons' role during the Sacrament. 

In the icon, the River Jordan flows between two hills, representing steps of spiritual ascent; but they also suggest that the scene unfolds in an open landscape.

In the earliest versions of the icon, within the waves of the Jordan, in the lower part, one might notice allegorical figures: a bearded old man, resembling Neptune, and a youth. They personify the waters of the river and the sea, which, according to the Psalmist’s prophecy, flowed backwards. The Holy Spirit appears as a small half-circle, with a beam of light coming down and ending in a small circle with a dove inside. 

The portrayal of Christ Himself may be turned slightly towards John the Baptist, with Him unclothed, which is characteristic of early icons of the feast, or He may be shown facing us but with a cloth wrapped around His waist.

Feast day - January 19.

Materials

This icon is painted using the following materials:

• Tempera paints
• Lime, alder, or pine 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 covered with various shades of gold. The halo is decorated with chiseling on gesso. This icon can be additionally adorned with wrought silver, a metal or textile oklad, precious and semiprecious gemstones. We recommend placing this icon in an opening or a non-opening icon case to protect it from humidity fluctuations and dust.

Price & Deadlines

The cost of this icon of Theotokos and the time it will take to make it are negotiable, depending on its size and the complexity of its design. Once it is ready, the icon will be consecrated in St Elisabeth Convent.