Crispfin

[TW]

I didn't know that you were into Iconographic art. Any particular reason you chose the "Virgin Vladimir?"


TW

[crispfin]

I love Christian iconography! The "Virgin" is actually one of my favorites, and I thought it'd be a nice reminder of the real focus of Christmas for me and, perhaps, some on here. Some posts just make you lose the Christmas spirit!

But I love baby Jesus reaching up to kiss his mother, as she inclines her head to turn the focus towards her son. It's a wonderful image.

[one love]

Crisp,
that is nice...very interesting, what time period is all that from? I dont have a clue what you are both talking about but it seems interesting.

[Poimen]

Which begs the question...

Are you an adherent of one of the Churches that employs such devices in their worship? And if so, which?

I am curious to know. You can shoot me a pm if you do not wish to disclose such publicly. of course, I will understand if you choose not to disclose at all. I will huff and puff, and pout, and hold my breath, and even scream and shout, BUT ... I will understand.

[crispfin]

Which begs the question...

Are you an adherent of one of the Churches that employs such devices in their worship? And if so, which?

I am curious to know. You can shoot me a pm if you do not wish to disclose such publicly. of course, I will understand if you choose not to disclose at all. I will huf, and puff, and pout, an dhold my breath, and scream and shout, BUT ... I will understand.

Actually I'm not a member of any church right now. I'm an "unflavored" Christian as of this moment. Now please, take a breath. Purple does not suit your face.

[crispfin]

Crisp,
that is nice...very interesting, what time period is all that from? I dont have a clue what you are both talking about but it seems interesting.

Well the original icon of the "Theotokos of Vladimir" which my avatar is derived from goes back to 1131 AD:



Here is a wikipedia article about it explaining its history and the traditions concerning it.

[MacUser]

The mother looks extremely SAD and the image of Jesus slithering around his mom with an elongated neck? Not a pleasant image imho. It may represent a period.. but doesn't represent a joyful message imho.

The icon version repairs several of these issues.

[crispfin]

The mother looks extremely SAD and the image of Jesus slithering around his mom with an elongated neck? Not a pleasant image imho. It may represent a period.. but doesn't represent a joyful message imho.

The icon version repairs several of these issues.

Well the purpose of the icon is to convey a spiritual truth, not really be great art. And I find it appropriate for Mary to have some sadness. Remember what was said to her by Simeon at the temple?

"And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."--Luke 2:34-35 KJV

or in the NIV:

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

And she did suffer great sadness. I can't imagine knowing that my son would be hated nor the anguish she must have felt at the foot of the cross, seeing her son tormented and dying. Love, sadness, and great devotion all get captured in this one image.