Religious Icon: The Theological Beauty at the Heart of Your Prayer

A religious icon is not a simple image: it is a window to the invisible. Painted on wood according to an age-old tradition (gesso, pigments, gold leaf), the icon accompanies prayer, transmits faith, and brings a presence of peace to the home. Discover our collection of Catholic and Eastern icons — Christ icon, Virgin Mary icon, saints' icons — carefully made to combine faithfulness, beauty, and durability.

Why Choose a Religious Icon?

• Theology in image: the icon refers to the prototype (Christ, Mother of God, saints) and nourishes contemplation.
• Presence of peace: ideal to structure a prayer corner and encourage daily reflection.
• Transmission of faith: a living catechetical support for family, children, catechumens.
• Spiritual gift: baptism, communion, confirmation, marriage, new home.

Our Major Families of Icons

Christ

Pantocrator (Almighty), Merciful Christ, Sacred Heart: representations expressing the lordship, love, and closeness of the Lord.

The Virgin Mary

Hodigitria (she who shows the way), Éléousa (tenderness), Virgin of Tenderness, Our Lady of Lourdes: a maternal presence to watch over the home.

Angels and Saints

Saint Michael the Archangel (protection), Saint Joseph (workers & families), Saint Thérèse (trust), Saint Anthony (intercession), Saint Rita (trials), Saint Benedict (spiritual combat).

Feasts and Biblical Scenes

Nativity, Annunciation, Transfiguration, Resurrection, Pentecost: religious icons that mark the liturgical year and prayer life.

Styles & Traditions

• Byzantine: hieratism, gold, deep colors, reversed perspective.
• Slavonic/Russian: marked contrasts, fine features.
• Coptic & Roman: sobriety, immediate catechetical reading.
• Contemporary (respecting the canons): graphic clarity, current formats.

Manufacturing & Finishes

• Wood support (linden, birch) prepared with traditional gesso.
• Egg tempera: natural pigments bound with egg emulsion, matte and luminous finish.
• Gold leaf (golden background): symbol of uncreated light.
• Varnish (olifa): protection and depth of tones.
• Options: framed icon or unframed, pocket to large formats.

Recommended Sizes & Placements

• Small format (10–18 cm): desk, bedside table, minimal prayer corner.
• Medium format (20–30 cm): domestic altar, living room, entrance.
• Large format (30 cm and up): private chapel, family oratory, accent walls.

Where to place? On a shelf or console, with a candle, a Bible, and a rosary. Position the icon at eye level to encourage contemplation.

Spiritual Gift Ideas

• Baptism/Communion/Confirmation: Virgin icon or patron saint.
• Marriage & new home: Holy Family icon, Christ Pantocrator.
• Liturgical high points: Nativity, Easter, Pentecost.

Care Tips

• Dust with a soft, dry, non-abrasive cloth.
• Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, solvent products.
• Framing: protects from shocks and facilitates hanging.

FAQ — Religious Icon

What is the difference between an icon and a religious painting?

The religious icon follows theological and stylistic canons passed down by Tradition; it is a “theology in colors” oriented towards prayer. A painting can be devotional without following these rules.

How to choose your first subject?

Start with a Christ icon (Pantocrator), a Virgin icon (Hodigitria/Éléousa), or the family’s patron saint: universal subjects, immediately prayerful.

Hand-painted icon or print?

The hand-painted icon (tempera, gold) offers relief, depth, and uniqueness. Wood reproductions are more accessible and practical to multiply prayer points.

Explore our collection of religious icons — from the Christ Pantocrator to the Virgin Mary icons and saints — and create a bright prayer space, faithful to Tradition and open to contemplation.