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The Art of the Icon: A Theology of Beauty
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.
353 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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About the author
Paul Evdokimov
25 books29 followersPaul Nikolaevich Evdokimov (rus. Павел Николаевич Евдокимов) was a Russian and French theologian, writer, and professor of theology at St. Sergius Institute in Paris. He was an invited observer to the Second Vatican Council.
He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on August 2, 1901, the son of an army officer who was assassinated by one of his soldiers in 1905. He was educated in a military school and served in the cavalry. He began theological studies just prior to the Bolshevik Revolution. Following the revolution, he and his family escaped from Crimea through Constantinople and settled in Paris circa 1923. Evdokimov continued his theological studies at St. Sergius Institute, studying with Fr. Sergius Bulgakov and Nikolai Berdyaev. He was among the founding members of the Russian Christian Student Movement.
He married Natasha Brunel in 1927, who died of cancer during the latter part of World War II. In 1942, he completed his doctorate in philosophy at Aix-en-Provence.
During the War, Evdokimov worked with the French Resistance. In 1954, he married Tomoko Sakai, a daughter of a Japanese Diplomat.
He reposed in Meudon, France, on September 16, 1970.
He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on August 2, 1901, the son of an army officer who was assassinated by one of his soldiers in 1905. He was educated in a military school and served in the cavalry. He began theological studies just prior to the Bolshevik Revolution. Following the revolution, he and his family escaped from Crimea through Constantinople and settled in Paris circa 1923. Evdokimov continued his theological studies at St. Sergius Institute, studying with Fr. Sergius Bulgakov and Nikolai Berdyaev. He was among the founding members of the Russian Christian Student Movement.
He married Natasha Brunel in 1927, who died of cancer during the latter part of World War II. In 1942, he completed his doctorate in philosophy at Aix-en-Provence.
During the War, Evdokimov worked with the French Resistance. In 1954, he married Tomoko Sakai, a daughter of a Japanese Diplomat.
He reposed in Meudon, France, on September 16, 1970.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 10, 2022
If you thought this was an introduction to the general art of iconography you surely found yourself surprised by the heavy philosophical character of this book.
"A Theology of Beauty" is more or less an introduction to the biblical and traditional view of beauty, a view deeply rooted in orthodox spirituality and hesychast mysticism.
From there the book goes on talking about the role and meaning of church, culture and the individual developing these doctrines into a well defined set of iconographic symbols.
On this last note, the book ends with a series of commentaries on a couple of icon compositions, applying the doctrines and their symbols on the icons themselves, making it a fascinating study of symbolic theology.
"A Theology of Beauty" is more or less an introduction to the biblical and traditional view of beauty, a view deeply rooted in orthodox spirituality and hesychast mysticism.
From there the book goes on talking about the role and meaning of church, culture and the individual developing these doctrines into a well defined set of iconographic symbols.
On this last note, the book ends with a series of commentaries on a couple of icon compositions, applying the doctrines and their symbols on the icons themselves, making it a fascinating study of symbolic theology.
September 9, 2021
Definitely not what I expected picking it up. Recommend to those interested in iconography, but also orthodox theology more generally. And especially theology through icons.
November 27, 2023
„Întru Lumina Ta vom vedea Lumină.” (ps 35, 9)
August 5, 2021
Evdokimov propone que el mejor argumento para la existencia de Dios es la adoración y ésta se puede lograr en los sacramentos y la contemplación del arte que es teología al mismo tiempo. La riqueza de la iconografía son esos 'sí apofáticos' de los misterios divinos plasmados por almas iluminadas.
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September 17, 2007A theology of beauty via explorations of iconography. A wonderful book that is philosophically informed and aesthetically rich.
June 23, 2023
This book describes the role and legitimacy of the icon and its place in Christian art. The discussion of the seventh ecumenical council clearly shows how the Christian use of icons does not violate the Old Testament prohibition of “images.” It explains that God himself provided the definitive image in the Incarnation: “He who has seen me has seen the Father.”
The book begins with a discussion of beauty and creation. It goes on in differentiating the icon from other forms of art and discusses the qualifications of an iconographer. The book discusses the theology of icons and goes on to provide several examples of them. It describes that icons are not intended to provide realistic or “photographic” images of their subjects but are aimed at their theological meanings. The examples provided in the book apparently show some of the best of iconographic history and important icons which have been frequently imitated.
The book, like the icons themselves, can provide devotional focus to readers who are open to it.
While this could be considered a scholarly work, it was apparently written to be accessible to non-scholars who do not mind looking up a few words; those of us unacquainted with Orthodox liturgical terms do well to read the book with a dictionary at hand.
While the book has an Orthodox author, it is quoted extensively in a chapter of Joseph Carinal Ratzinger’s book, the Spirit of the Liturgy. It is unabashedly Orthodox but can have universal application.
The book begins with a discussion of beauty and creation. It goes on in differentiating the icon from other forms of art and discusses the qualifications of an iconographer. The book discusses the theology of icons and goes on to provide several examples of them. It describes that icons are not intended to provide realistic or “photographic” images of their subjects but are aimed at their theological meanings. The examples provided in the book apparently show some of the best of iconographic history and important icons which have been frequently imitated.
The book, like the icons themselves, can provide devotional focus to readers who are open to it.
While this could be considered a scholarly work, it was apparently written to be accessible to non-scholars who do not mind looking up a few words; those of us unacquainted with Orthodox liturgical terms do well to read the book with a dictionary at hand.
While the book has an Orthodox author, it is quoted extensively in a chapter of Joseph Carinal Ratzinger’s book, the Spirit of the Liturgy. It is unabashedly Orthodox but can have universal application.
August 30, 2019
Un libro maravilloso, donde pude unir, el estudio, espiritualidad, meditación y contemplación, guiándome por sus páginas a través de la simbología de cada uno de los iconos estudiados.
April 22, 2012
Remains the masterpiece on the topic. Iconography is contemplated, that's the word that comes to mind, from the broad vision of the meaning of life and the universe developed by the eastern fathers of the church. As always with Evdokimov, a peaceful contemplation with solid theology. He knows how to make theology "sing"
April 27, 2011
A great work of theology and spirituality. It is THE book to read for the theology behind iconography. It is a must however for any orthodox theologian as it goes into many less answered questions about beauty and ascetics. Life Changing!
August 11, 2011
A great work of theology and spirituality. It is THE book to read for the theology behind iconography. It is a must however for any orthodox theologian as it goes into many less answered questions about beauty and ascetics. Life Changing!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews