Icons

Icon painting, the ultimate expression of Orthodox Christian Art, reached its zenith in the Ukraine between the 11th and 18th centuries. While the very first Ukrainian icons studiously obeyed the rules of Orthodox Christianity, later icons developed a personality of their own. By the 14th century, this art form had outgrown some of its Byzantine origins to draw more generously on Roman heritage and whilst asserting a distinctly Slavic soul and identity. Though quick to borrow West European breakthroughs in art technique, icon art never compromised that Slavic identity. This book presents a handpicked representative selection of works from the 11th century to the late Baroque period.