Description
Book Synopsis: The Menil's collection of Byzantine and related icons is widely regarded as one of the most important in the United States. Comprising more than sixty works, many acquired by Dominique de Menil in 1985 from the noted British collector Eric Bradley, the group spans twelve hundred years, from the sixth to the eighteenth centuries, and encompasses a number of distinct cultures, including Greek, Balkan, and Russian. In this volume, the first publication to survey this diverse collection, leading scholars explore the history and meaning of these remarkable works, and their continuing power to surprise and impress.
Orthodox Christianity developed in the Near East during the Byzantine Empire, in time yielding eleven autocephalous communions of which the Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian, and Bulgarian Orthodox churches are the largest today. Each maintained the tradition of icon painting rooted in Byzantium but inflected it in distinctive ways. Transcending time and place through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation, these images of saintly or divine figures were designed to imprint their holy subjects on the human mind.
Though largely dismissed as backward by Renaissance and Enlightenment Europeans, icons captured the imagination of early modernist painters, and contemporary audiences appreciate them as aesthetic objects.
Distributed for The Menil Collection
Exhibition Schedule:
The Menil Collection (10/21/11-03/04/12)
Details
Imprinting the Divine: Byzantine and Russian Icons from The Menil Collection Book Synopsis: The Menil's collection of Byzantine and related icons is widely regarded as one of the most important in the United States. With over sixty works spanning twelve centuries, this collection showcases the rich history and meaning of these remarkable works of art.
Orthodox Christianity, originating in the Byzantine Empire, gave birth to various autocephalous communions, including Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian, and Bulgarian Orthodox churches. All of these churches, including the Menil Collection, have maintained the tradition of icon painting deeply rooted in Byzantium, creating a fascinating display of diverse cultures and artistic expressions.
Immerse yourself in the delicate balance of tradition and innovation that these icons offer. These images of saintly or divine figures were created not only to captivate the eye but also to imprint their holy subjects on the human mind. Despite being dismissed as backward by Renaissance and Enlightenment Europeans, icons have since captured the imagination of early modernist painters and continue to find appreciation among contemporary audiences as aesthetic objects.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the history and meaning behind these extraordinary works of art. Experience the transcendent power of these icons, as they transport you through time and place. Discover how they can surprise and impress, leaving a lasting impression on your soul.
Click here to learn more and embark on a journey into the spiritual world of Byzantine and Russian icons.
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