Image Redemption - A Study Of The Image Of Christ In The Byzantine Icons

The art of Icon is a characteristic style of Christian art. It was born out of early Christian art, and approached its peak in the Byzantine Empire. In the art of Icon, Icons of Christ is the most important category and the basis of other Icons. If Icon is the iconographic theology, then Icons of Christ is the Christology of the Icon. During Byzantine times, there were several debates about Christology, and finally leading to the doctrine of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ in the Council of Chalcedon. At the same time, in the development process of Icon, on the one hand its art expression followed the law of art history, on the other hand, it has constantly accepted the amendments from Orthodox faith.During the two times of Iconoclasm, the "iconophiles"(who love the icon) beat their opponent, and deepened their theory. Ultimately the Icon formed a mature style and a fixed pattern, along with the Iconography. The Icon has a unique artistic feature. Its artistry serves its religiousness. Different from Hellenic western arts, Icon does not pursue the idea of Beauty. It aims at express the Person and the divine glory of Jesus Christ.Byzantine Icon relies on the holy tradition of Orthodox Church, and formed a great chain of images that centred the image of Christ. In this chain, human connect with God and be "theosis" by him. Through "theosis" they are saved. Since the Icons of Christ depict God and the ultimate existence, therefore they have ontological significance. Orthodox Christology provides the theoretical support for the Ontology of Icons. The Christology determines the existence and development of Icons of Christ and other Icons. Differences between Orthodox and Catholic on Christology and Soteriology gave Byzantine Icon a distinctive charm. This article aims to introducing the essential feature of the art of Icon, and at the mean time, illuminating the theology implication of Icons of Christ through exploring the relationship between Christology and the Icons of Christ.