Przedstawienia ciał niebieskich w ikonie

Abstract

The sun, the moon, the stars and the sky are variously depicted in icons, for example the sun may have a human face. The moon is also frequently presented with a human countenance. However, there are icons where the sun and the moon are just two circles without human facial features. The sun and the moon in the Crucifixion icons symbolize the universe participating in the fruits of the Redemption. The sky itself may be depicted as clouds or a blue arch supported by angels, like in the Last Judgment icons. The sky is sometimes presented as a semicircular segment containing God the Father, Christ or Manus Dei. Stars adorn the maphorion of the Mother of God, who herself is referred to as the “Star”. A star can also be found in The Birth of Christ or Transfiguration icons. Moreover, the number of star rays has its important theological meaning. Equally interesting is the personification of Cosmos in the Pentecost icons, which has an ancient origin. The image is derived from the motif of Old King trapped in a cave and awaiting salvation.