The Icon: Window on the Kingdom

by Michel Quenot

In recent years there has been a sort of 'rediscovery' of icons by Western Christians. There is an increasing awareness that the icon is not merely a work of art, but is also an aspect of diving revelation and of our communing with God in the Church. Thus the icon cannot be separated from Orthodox belief, prayer or liturgical life. To fully understand the icon, one must comprehend its organic artistic, spiritual, theological. Quenot's analysis of various icons and their theological elements enables the readers to appreciate the various aspects of the icon more fully. There are currently many books written about icons, discussing either their historical context, describing their spiritual attraction, or simply showing their aesthetic beauty. The Icon is, however, an exceptional book in many ways. Michel Quenot has sketched a brief yet highly descriptive history of iconography together with a discussion of the canons and laws which govern this ancient art form. Such "ground rules" guarantee a spiritual continuity and doctrinal unity that are valid beyond all national and cultural boundaries. Translated from the French and already published in eight languages, The Window on the Kingdom includes 33 color photos and 34 black and white illustrations. Among its many illustrations are included examples of works by modern iconographers, which show the icon to be a living and vital art form, bit outmoded or stagnant. The book also covers historical sources, theological and biblical foundations, iconographic themes, and the icon's role in the life of believers. It includes discussion of current discoveries and recent scholarship from catacomb art through Egyptian, Byzantine, Balkan, Russian and contemporary iconography.

Genres: Art, Religion, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Saul Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is just learning about the orthodox faith, I figured that in order to do so I must learn about an essential of the faith and that is iconography. I’ve grown up as a Protestant so I always heard and read about the idolatry of the orthodox churches or Roman Catholics. Sadly, I never did any research on the topic or read the arguments so I always just went along with the idolatry comments.

As of today, my opinion has changed tremendously. If there is a better introduction to iconography, this is it. Not only does it share the history of the icon but also the theological reasonings behind it. If anyone is interested in an introductory book on iconography, I highly recommend this. I would even go as far as to say that id recommend to someone that’s not a beginner. This for sure would help.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michel Quenot's THE ICON: Window on the Kingdom, translated into English by an anonymous Carthusian monk, is a concise introduction to the iconography of the Orthodox Church. Since its topic is images, it contains many figures, most of which come in gorgeous full colour.

In spite of its short length of less than 200 pages, the book manages to cover all aspects of icons, such as the history and dogmatic foundations of the art, the place of the icon in the Church, and the methods by which they are made. The nature of the paintings themselves, that is, the geometric structure, colours, perspective, and use of light are exhaustively described. Quenot provides an analysis of four specific icons to point out the general themes presented. Throughout, Quenot (himself a member of the Orthodox Church) is keen to show the spiritual value of icons. They aren't a mere subject of dry academic study or art history, but true "windows to heaven" where the Christian contemplates the Kingdom of God. The book also gives a comparison of the development of religious imagery in the Roman Catholic Church alongside the constancy of the Byzantine icon, showing the uniqueness of Orthodoxy's iconography. This is a nice touch that is missing from many introductions.

While the book does contain useful information. I found the writing somewhat repetetive and unfocused. The translation is also not entirely satisfactory. Some tighter proofreading and editing would have serve both the French original and this SVS Press translation well. Nonetheless, if you are interested in icons, this is a work worth perusing.

[Rheta Thola · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is divided into four different parts: the basics, a study of the icon, analysis of several icons, theological elements of the icon. I found the first two sections to be fairly basic and not necessarily compelling. The information seemed solid but I didn't encounter anything that was new or shocking. The last two sections were worth the wait! The analysis of several icons was not just limited to talking about what is commonly seen in the icon (colors, saints, etc.) but really examined the theology and deep symbolism behind the content of the icons. I found my mind blown away and really appreciated the deeper look into the meaning of the scenes depicted. The theological elements of the icons was also fascinating. It examined the importance of icons in worship and in life. Again, a fascinating and deep discussion. My biggest disappointment with this book was that these two sections seemed so brief and left me wanting much much more.


"A window on the Kingdom, the icon allows us to see both light and beauty from the invisible world that would otherwise blind our eyes. It does not just open onto the world beyond, but lets in that vital air which refreshes our hearts."

[Jo Hurst · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a translation of this and it was very informative but gets a little too bogged down in details which spoils the enjoyment a bit. Also I didn't like the stance that all non icon religious art is wrong. However, it contained a lot of information.

[Jacques-jude Lépine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essential about icons, in a concise format.