The Archangel panels were commissioned and rooted in ancient traditional icon painting.I am thrilled there is still interest in painting process for modern life and home environments. My inspiration comes form the ancient Byzantine iconographers and mosaics. Here are Archangels in Detail: their spiritual imagery and its symbolism
Red shoes on Angels.
Iconography of Mary and the pope both wear red shoes. The meaning of the Popes’ red shoes and the red dress of the cardinals are symbolic for the blood of martyrs. Their Passion for Christ and willingness to die for the Faith make them unique. When the Pope wears red shoes, it refers to his human sacrifice. He metaphorically walks in the footsteps of our Savior with an everlasting desire to conquer the evil and ignorance in the world.
Mary is slightly different. One source said, her red shoes can be thought of as a symbol of sexual maturation and her challenge or dedication to embrace a world that is filled with evil and not hide from it. Her red shores represent faith in Christ and God and symbols of power. Blood is red. Fire is red. The devil is red. Stop signs and stop lights are red, showing danger.
The angels wear red shoes and stand for their messages are ones of passion and desire for revelation. We associate the color red with their messages being impulsive, explosive, and bold, as they are warriors on behalf of God communicating with humanity.
Archangel Michael and Gabriel
Looking at many ancient icons, you find a variety of abbreviated words in Greek, Latin and Russian. Likewise the samples make it even more confusing.
Χ It stands for Χριστος — Khristos — “Christ.”
Α sometimes written as Δ. It stands for Δικαιος – Dikaios – meaning “Righteous.”
Κ Krites — “Judge”English words “critic” and criticism.”
Ὁ ΔΡΧ ΜΙΧ Δ, abbreviated Greek “PRINCE MICHAEL THE GREAT COMMANDER” Archangel Michael is said to be the leader of the heavenly armies.
AHPA XpaH Greek Abbreviation for Gabriel meaning ‘ Man of God ‘. This endogenous angel is the spiritual being who proclaims “Hail, highly favored Mary, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” The names will be written in repouse, hand tooled pewter and positioned in the corner as title names for these angels.
Details Garments and Wings
I painted with acrylics in college, 45 years ago. Learning a new technique was fairly easily but I got frustrated with painting the jewels. My solution was to search You Tube. I found several short videos on how to paint gem stones. What fun! The wings were easier. Notice the white interior line makes the wing appear as if there are two wings, one beneath the other. The colored interior one indicates that these heavenly beings generate their light and wisdom from within. They are angelic who act as messengers or conduits between humankind and God.
Archangels Face and Hands painted with Egg Tempera
After 6 weeks of doing the boards, drawings, gold, wings and garments, it was a relief to go back to painting with stone. Egg Tempera Pigments behave entirely on their own. They dry with life and texture. As you can see the application is far from flat. The medium and effect feels like I am playing on a beach of sand and I love it. I am sure the finished faces and hands will look lifelike and stunning. It was delight to work on this commission.
BIO Mary Jane Miller A self-taught Byzantine style iconographer with over 28 years of experience, born in New York and living in Mexico full time. Her collections of sacred art are contemporary, with a proficient command of egg tempera. FACEBOOK Conversations about prayer and iconography.
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