The Art of the Icon: A Theology of Beauty [Hardcover]

Paul Evdokimov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1989

A 'summa on beauty' by this great Orthodox Theologian. First, a presentation on the biblical and patristic vision of beauty, applied then to contemporary movements in art. A 'theology of the icon' from a personal point of view, as well as in the context of the Church. Finally, the author includes a section and commentaries on 10 icons, from Riblev's Holy Trinity to the Novgorodian Angel.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

About the Author

Paul Evdokimov (1902-1970) was a professor at St Sergius Theological Institute in Paris, Director of the Center of Orthodox Studies and served as the Director of the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Geneva. He has been appropriately called "a theological bridge between East and West" because he brings patristic insights to bear upon modern situations. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 353 pages
• Publisher: Oakwood Pubns (December 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961854553
• ISBN-13: 978-0961854553
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,645,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Light of Orthodoxy, April 7, 2000

By 

Brook Herbert - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Icon: A Theology of Beauty (Paperback)

Evdokimov's book illuminates traditional teachings on both Iconography and the spiritual significance of the subject of beauty within the Orthodox East. The rich heritage of Orthodox tradition, liturgy, wisdom and beauty breaks through in Evdokimov's pages and leads the reader into the depth of traditional Christian belief. The book, rooted in the writers personal expertise with Iconography as well as his knowledge of the writings of the Church Fathers, combine in Evdokimov's book and render it both affectively engaging and intellectually stimulating. Further, Evdokimov's critique of contemporary trends in Art provide a wealth of material on which the reader will spend time meditating. This is a book to be read and enjoyed more than once. This book would be a great resource for any who might want to encounter the historical Orthodox Church through her art and wisdom, for those interested in Art history, and for those familiar with Iconography and would appreciate a clear, informative and thoughtful exposition on the topic.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite as its subject matter, March 24, 2000

By 

A. S. Damick (Emmaus, Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Icon: A Theology of Beauty (Paperback)

In this book, Evdokimov poetically meditates on beauty in the Orthodox Christian tradition as epitomized in the art of the icon. His approach is difficult to follow at times, because it is so very dense, but the words eventually flow over and through the reader, leaving him with a sense of having listened to an exquisite concerto of theology. Truly, Evdokimov's "deep knowledge" of the icon comes from his great love and intimate experience in the liturgical arts.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Book on Art, History and Tradition of Orthodox Icons, November 28, 2001

By 

Sasha Williams (MD, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Icon: A Theology of Beauty (Paperback)

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Orthodoxy and its art and philosophy. The book is an absolute pleasure to read - it leads you through the subject matter with a beautiful and poetic voice. You will return to this book again and again.