The oldest icon of the Crucifixion is located in the Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai in Egypt and reveals the proximity to the Greco-Roman art heritage
The St. Catherine Icon: A Rare Treasure
The St. Catherine icon is one of the few early Christian icons that has survived the ravages of time, making it a precious relic for art historians and theologians alike. This panel painting features the crucified Christ, with arms outstretched on the cross, and is surrounded by various figures from the Passion narrative.
It is about a very rare and important icon that survived from the so-called "dark ages" of Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It is the oldest depiction of Jesus Christ, with a crown of thorns and the names of the two crucified robbers "Gestas" and "Dimas" are written, known from the New Testament.
A Fayum portrait. Fayum mummy portraits are a type of naturalistic painted portrait on wooden boards attached to upper class mummies from Roman Egypt. They belong to the tradition of panel painting, one of the most highly regarded forms of art in the Classical world. The Fayum portraits are the only large body of art from that tradition to have survived.
The proximity of the monastery to ancient Greco-Roman settlements, such as the city of Alexandria, has undoubtedly influenced the artistic style of the icon. This unique blend of Greco-Roman art and early Christian imagery has produced an icon that reveals the rich cultural heritage of the region and its impact on the development of Christian iconography.
Greco-Roman Influences
The St. Catherine icon displays several stylistic elements that can be traced back to the Greco-Roman art tradition. These features include the use of a naturalistic approach to the human figure, a focus on the individual's emotional state, and the portrayal of depth and space through the use of shading and perspective. The artist's skillful rendering of these elements demonstrates an intimate knowledge of the Greco-Roman art heritage and showcases the cultural exchange between the two traditions.
For instance, the depiction of Christ's body on the cross reveals a keen understanding of human anatomy and the use of chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth. The artist has also portrayed the emotions of the surrounding figures, such as the grief-stricken Virgin Mary and the anguished John the Evangelist, with striking realism, capturing the raw emotion of the scene.
As we know, the early Byzantine and post-Byzantine paintings continue the Hellenistic and Roman tradition and style of mural painting. The oldest preserved icons of St. Catherine's collection in Sinai date back to the 6th century and are directly related to the Egyptian portraits of the dead in wood (Fayum mummy portraits) and are similarly close to the Greco-Roman heritage, especially with the frescoes of Pompeii.
Characteristic of these idealized portraits are the large expressive eyes, the elongated nose, the small mouth, the impressive colors and the larger volume of the figures, which also strongly resembles the naturalistic Hellenistic mosaics.
The Composition and Christian Symbolism
While the St. Catherine icon bears strong resemblances to Greco-Roman art, it also exemplifies early Christian iconography. It not only depicts the Crucifixion but also incorporates elements of the Passion narrative, such as the presence of the Virgin Mary, John the Evangelist, and other figures from the story.
Ancient Roman mosaic of Apollo, from the archaeological site of Old Paphos, Cyprus.
The icon's composition is deliberate in its message, emphasizing Christ's sacrifice and highlighting the significance of the Crucifixion in Christian theology. The artist has placed Christ at the center of the composition, drawing the viewer's attention to his suffering and death. By doing so, the icon serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian belief in the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice.
The oldest icon of the Crucifixion of Christ at the Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai is an extraordinary testament to the intricate relationship between the Greco-Roman art heritage and early Christian iconography. This invaluable artifact offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and cultural milieu of the time, highlighting the exchange of ideas and the shared history that shaped the development of Christian art.
As a living witness to the dawn of Christianity, the St. Catherine icon continues to inspire and fascinate scholars and believers, serving as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage that has shaped our understanding of the Christian faith.
