The performative icon.(Byzantine Art)(Critical essay) From: The Art Bulletin | Date: December 1, 2006| Author: Pentcheva, Bissera V. | COPYRIGHT 2006 College Art Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Icon (ikon, [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII]) in Greek is understood as image, representation, and portrait. In Byzantium the word also acquired a very specific meaning as a portable portrait of Christ, the Virgin, and saints with scenes from their lives on wood panels or precious surfaces such as ivory, metal, enamel, mosaic, and steatite (Figs. 1-4). (1) The icon was perceived as matter imbued with charis ([TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII]), or divine grace. (2) As matter, this ob...