Iconography in Christianity was considered one of the most developed forms of art. And if today we evaluate the icons of the 18th century from an aesthetic point of view, then at the time of their writing they had, first of all, sacred, religious significance. People believed that the icon could heal, hear prayer and fulfill it. That is why each of them has a specific purpose.
The style of the icons of the 18th century
Each era brought something new in the manner of writing. This was influenced by traditions and new trends of secular painting, the general level of development of culture and even the economy of the state, because in its heyday there were much more conditions for the creation of churches and churches, for which new icons were needed. Masters could afford quality paints and materials for decoration.
The early 18th century icons represent the Baroque style. Its main features are large forms, the proximity of images to a realistic picture. Also, it was at this time that the letter of plant ornaments changed: they are characterized by smoothness, flexibility and believability.
Iconography in the middle of the century
Like any kind of art, icon painting is characterized by a periodic return to the roots. So, the icons of the mid-18th century again showed forgotten floral ornaments differently than under the influence of Baroque. Here prevailed images of thin undulating shoots with various ornaments - curls, shells, finely painted details. Examples of this period are the icons “Our Lady of the Passion” and “St. John the Warrior”. But the so-called “life-like” letter has already been strengthened in technology and has not gone out of use.
Rococo Traditions
In the second half of the 18th century, this style occupies a leading position in art. He expressed himself in sharpening detail and changing the general concept of the image. Icons of the 18th century in the Rococo style stand out among the rest by the fact that they consist of several almost equal fragments. All ornaments here are grouped around any main part. At the same time, floral ornaments, curls and shells also remain in the icons. It was this variety of possible tricks that made it possible to create such interesting works. As examples, we can consider the Don Icon of the Mother of God of the 18th century and the Trinity of the New Testament.
The end of the century brings even more ornamentation - images of palm branches, various colors, vases and garlands appear. Such detail is a harbinger of classicism.
During this period, the technique of creating icons also changes: the main type becomes chasing. This allows you to decorate the icons with precious metals and stones, to create a relief. The most striking example of this style is the icon of Our Lady of Kazan. On it, the master used both a gold salary and precious stones.
The transformation of icon painting in the era of classicism
Icons of the 19th century are more diverse in style. One of the inventions of this era was the Empire style, which suggests the presence of paint only in the image of the faces of heroes. Also, different types of silver are simultaneously used here - gilded, smooth and matte.
In the middle of the century, eclecticism began to dominate. On the one hand, baroque traditions are again used in the icons, and on the other, a finer and more sketchy ornamentation appears. An innovation is the use of enamel in different colors. Thus, the frame of the icon and the salary were no longer perceived as one.
The end of the century brought the art of icon painting closer to the Art Nouveau style, the main feature of which was even greater crystallization of the significance of the decor.
Icons of the 18-19 centuries is a very extensive topic, the study of which is interesting not only to modern masters, but also to uninitiated people.