Lancaster Galleries has a selection of icon paintings from Dorothy Thayne. Wikipedia says ‘an icon (from Greek εἰκών eikōn “image”) is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism.’ And Dorothy explains:
An icon is a work of art painted in a prayerful manner using symbolic visual language and images that originate in early Church tradition. A canon of depiction ensures that the meaning of the originals is not altered by the individual iconographer.
Subtle artistic nuances, however, create styles that differentiate icons of one culture or time period from another. Icons are often called ‘windows to heaven,’ mystical intermediaries between the earthly and heavenly realms. As sacred objects blessed by the Church, icons are aids to prayer.
Stop in the gallery to see these stunning works. It’s an art that can only be appreciated in-person. Have a wonderful holiday. Stay warm and be well.