Customer Reviews

The Meaning of Icons

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Among the many books on icons, this is one of the oldest still in print. Why has it become a classic? Because it was written by one of the greatest twentieth century theologians, Vladimir Lossky, and by one of the greatest 20th century iconographers,Leonide Ouspensky who spent the whole of his artistic life in France painting icons and frescoes. Their approach is unique not only because of their deep experience of the Orthodox faith, but also because of the way they decided to describe the colour prints reproduced in this volume. What we have here is a superb commentary in the form of selection of poetry from the feasts during which these icons are placed in the middle of the church. Much of this Byzantine hymnography has no parallel in the West. It is what is heard in the eastern Christian church throughout the liturgical year which this volume beautifully illustrates both in word and image. The authors' feeling for the uplifting prayer of which icons play such a vital part is genuine and rarely found in any other book about the iconographic tradition. All Christians and many non-Christians will appreciate their respectful presentation of the revelation of God to man as it is presented in this book.

About icons and their meaning I already had (and read) a lot in the Russian language, but until now I didn't have content and illustrations in one hand. That's for me the meaning of the Meaning. It is short, gives the theological and canonical information about the role of the icon in Eastern Orthodoxy from inside, the themes are worked out and clearly arranged, the illustrations are big and beautyful. So, I am very glad that I sought for it and bought it.

This book invites readers with and without knowledge of icons. Its size, method, and delivery resemble art books at twice the cost. Initial publication date in 1952 occurred when both authors had achieved mature productivity as icon writer (Ouspensky) and theologian (Lossky) while ex-patriots in Paris. Sampling of Russian icons in this text from the 16th-century forward revealed many treasures of late Byzantium reinterpreted by Christian faith in Russia. Many of these icons might have been erased by time or ideologues had the authors' combined experience and memory not captured them here.

But the book is more than archeological artifact. It cannot be dismissed as a preservationist project. Rather, faith and icon extend a splendid view of the new world transformed by the likeness of the heavenly Creator. Spectacular views of the new world await in what I consider a master-text by Ouspensky and Lossky.

This is a book every icon painter should have on her bookshelf. A very good reference work you can consult many times.