Writing the Divine | Writing a Byzantine Icon

With the icon board prepared, the drawing complete and the gold laid, the final stage begins: writing the icon.

In this concluding part of Writing the Divine, we follow the iconographer as the image of Christ gradually emerges through layers of colour and light.

In Byzantine iconography, an icon is traditionally said to be “written” rather than simply painted. The artist works within an inherited sacred tradition, where line, colour, form and symbolism come together to reveal the image.

The process begins with deeper tones, upon which successive layers of colour and increasingly delicate highlights are applied. Slowly, the face and garments take form, moving from darkness towards light.

It is a patient and contemplative process. Each layer builds upon the last until the image of Christ is fully revealed.

What began as a wooden panel has passed through many stages, linen and gesso, drawing and gold, colour and light - each contributing to the finished icon.

Writing the Divine | Writing a Byzantine Icon completes the journey, offering a glimpse into the final and most intimate stage of this ancient sacred art.