Iconographic canons

[Robert Hegwood]

Over the years I have come across many articles or individual statements that reference the canons of iconography, pointing out why one image or another was or wasn't canonical...or deficeint with regard to the canons in one or more points, etc. Others speak of canons discouraging statues or this or that other thing. Some canons appear to be technical in addition to being theological...like sankir should be more green to symbolize the life of the Spirit, X number of gradiations of ocre need to be used, etc.

Sometimes the references are confusing...contradictory, for example I know the color for the garments of the Holy Virgin and Christ our Lord signify either humanity or divinity/heaven, but some say red is the color of light and is for heaven, and others say blue is the color of heaven. It can't be both ways.

So where does one find these canons? Are they compiled somewhere in a book or on-line? So many seem to know about them but where to find them?

Thanks, if anyone knows.

[Olga]

Fr Stephen Bigham has written a number of well-received books, including "The Image of God the Father" (SVS Press, if I remember rightly) which deals at length with canons to do with His depiction. I am also happy to email you a number of other articles I have on iconographic canons, which cover theological and similar aspects, though not technical.

[Olga]

oops! That should be Steven Bigham!

[Robert Hegwood]

Thank you Olga for the information.

I would be very happy to read any articles you have to share on the subject.