This document discusses religious icons and provides examples of different types of icons. It explains that icons are religious works of art, most commonly paintings, that depict saints or other religious figures. The document shows photos of ancient icons that are up to 1000 years old created using materials like bronze and ceramics. It notes that creating icons takes great skill and patience. Modern artists also create icons depicting modern religious figures to help with worship. Students will create their own icon draft to inspire larger paintings.

1. Religious Icons Lesson Objective: To explore the origins and style of religious Icons To produce your own version of a religious Icon

2. What is an Icon? An Icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting. The word ‘Icon’ comes from the Greek ‘eikon’ meaning ‘a holy image which is given special veneration’ The Orthodox churches are most commonly associated with Icons

3. Have a look at some examples of some religious Icons… Some of them are almost 1000 years old! What do you like or dislike about the style of art used?

5. Anyone recognise this very famous example of an Icon?

6. Some Icons were created from bronze or other precious metals. Next time you are in the chapel, have a look for an example of this type of Icon which Mrs Koryl bought from Poland.

7. One of the last ceramic Icons in existence, dating back from 900AD in Bulgaria.

8. It takes a lot of skill and patience to produce a hand painted Icon. Many nuns and monks train for many years to produce one-off originals that take months to produce!

10. Many Orthodox churches are adorned with Icons… Many Christians view Icons not just as pieces of art, but as a way to help us worship and focus on God during prayer and celebration.

13. There are many different types of religious Icons that you can buy! Have a look next time you visit a religious shop or if your parish has a stall selling religious items!

14. Some modern artists have created Icon paintings of ‘modern day’ religious figures. This one of Archbishop Oscar Romero depicts poverty, war and violence.

15. And again, Mother Teresa is shown in this example of a modern day Icon.

16. Your Task! You will be creating your own picture of a religious Icon. You will be producing a draft on A4 (Or using Photoshop) which the Art department will then use to produce large paintings using your ideas as inspiration! Choose a saint which you know about, or use the information that your teacher will give you. Try to include ideas that reflect something about the Saint’s life. OR choose a modern day religious hero! There will be PRIZES for the best pieces of work!!