Icons and Orthodox Metalworks

Sacred images, the so-called icons, receive special veneration in the Orthodox churches. Painted on wood, they usually represent Christ, the God-bearer Virgin, the saints of the Eastern Church with scenes from their lives, and biblical scenes. The earliest, 16-17th century icons in Esztergom are of Greek and South-Italian origin and were acquired from Arnold Ipolyi’s collection. Besides the Russian icons, a few 19th-20th-century pieces represent the icon-painting art of the peoples of orthodox religion; Serbs and Rumanians; who live in Hungary. The embossed metal covers of fine craftsmanship merit special attention in the Rumanian icons. The group of cast metal icons represents a particular Russian orthodox form of art. These small and portable devotional images were found in the personal possession of many believers between the 11th and 19th centuries. They served as expressive and tangible accessories for prayer and protected their owners from evil.

I.K.