Sacred Doorways: A Beginner's Guide to Icons

by Linette Martin

By Linette Martin A review from Publisher's Weekly - "For most Christians in the West, icons are intriguing but opaque, enigmatic and perhaps a little frightening. In an accessible and loving introduction to the ancient devotional art form, the late Martin, who studied art history at Oxford University, manages to make icons intelligible without denuding their mystery. Part reference work and part inspirational meditation, the book opens by sharing little-known characteristics of icons. Next she offers a helpful chronology, usefully chronicling the various periods of Byzantine art, and limning the history of Russian icons. One very concrete chapter catalogues the materials and techniques of icon-making, explaining the role of egg tempera and gesso in producing the often dark, matte pictures. The most eloquent and capacious chapter is that on prayer. Icons, Martin tells us, are not merely inspiring works of art, but are "made for the distinct purpose of prayer." Indeed, this chapter goes beyond instructions about icons to a moving meditation on prayer itself. The small but densely packed volume is rounded out by an appendix of international icon collections, and a helpful bibliography. Only occasionally does the book turn didactic and over-encyclopedic; chapters five and six, which define basics like "iconostasis" and "diptych," feel plodding. Martin's work, which nicely complements Henri Nouwen's classic reflection on icons, ought to become an indispensable part of any Christian library." Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. A review from Booklist -   "Many appreciate and admire icons while failing to understandthem, which isn't surprising because iconography is a complex subjectwith thousands of years of history. Martin aims to increaseunderstanding of what icons convey. She defines icon and describesan icon's purpose; examines the visual language that is iconography(according to her, the earl

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion

259 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2001

Reviews

[Grand Logothete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpretentious and accessible introduction to world of Icons. It explains very clearly and in simple terms, many aspects associated with Icons, such as their origin and history, purpose, crafting, meaning, importance and intepretation of themes and episodes. For someone completely clueless or a layman in regards to the subject, it will succeed in dissipating the mysterious cloud of unknowing that surrounds it, yet it also includes curious details and specifics that are sure to illuminate the casual appreciator of these sacred objects of connection with the divine.

[Trevor Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, and finish it for that matter, but it is just so boring. I thought this would be an interesting look into icons, but this book is laid out like an encyclopedia or other reference work. You have a heading: Color in Icons. Then a short blurb about that topic. Then a sub-heading, rinse repeat. The information is good, and valuable, but trying to read this through as one would a regular book is just mind numbing. Also this is a book about icons, and there are a whopping 16 icons shown in the book. Why not include tons of pictures to show what you are talking about?!

[Cbphoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not religious, and my first encounter with icons made me think they were just odd. A trip to Italy exposed me to more and I began to appreciate the artistic qualities of them. This book gives the basic background and allows for a deeper understanding for the nonbeliever.

[c f]

Dense but a good compendium —even an encyclopedia— of standard practices for making iconography through history. More of a reference book than a straight read. Good for the shelves of your craft room!

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

A scholastic rehash of Eastern Mysticism. Useless given the many translations already available.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been interested in icons for years, but experienced difficulty finding information that wasn't dry & scholarly, and excessively wordy. I wasn't so interested in period & technical information as the spiritual, meditative, and creative aspects, and the layers of metaphor and association incorporated in writing them. I'm not from an Orthodox Church background, nor do my ancestors come from countries where icons are traditionally used. For this reason I'm unfamiliar with the pictorial language of the Orthodox Church.

Sacred Doorways, by Linette Martin, is a great introduction to icons. She writes intelligently and in general terms, perfect for those interested in icons but lacking familial or ancestral affiliation with an orthodox faith. Artists might be interested in this book as well, with its discussion of process and allegorical elements.

Martin's book discusses icons - considered sacred portals into the spiritual world - with respect,from an artist's viewpoint, but also as a sensitive, spiritually oriented person. No gushing praise, jargon or flowery prose here - this is straightforward and informative.

Linette Martin manages to convey the Christian essence and background of icon writing without patronizing readers, nor does she assume we are all of the Christian faith. She shares solid information, and also some of her personal thoughts, and distinguishing between her own feelings and accepted scholarly and dogmatic opinions.

[Nathan Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully sensitive introduction to Icons and their use. As an evangelical who has only attended an Orthodox service a couple of times but is interested in the meaning and use of icons - this book was at just the right level to move me forward. It covers (all at a intro level) the history of icons, their visual language as well as sections on the making of icons; the materials and process. Each section adds depth and meaning to this practice and the book is topped off by chapters looking further into the theology of icons and a gentle guide for incorporating them into prayer. The Icons and Prayer chapter was especially meaningful following such a sensitive coverage of icons and, from an evangelical point of view, was incredibly refreshing to hear some diversity in prayer language and suggestions how we pray to , know about, and communicate God. I have not only gained respect for both the purpose and beauty of icons but have been fueled to look deeper. My next experience at an Orthodox church will be much more informed as a result of this, in fact - I can't wait to go back!

[Icons] have a good deal to tell us Westerners; and they can arose in us a holy orientation toward the supernatural

"The icon IS the gospel in line and color, just as the sacred Scriptures communicate the same truth in words. Both equally affirm the reality of salvation, both equally are modes of revelation"

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple introduction to icons and their use. Martin's language is accessible and her observations helpful. Those with a working understanding of icons will want something meatier, but this is a great tool for beginners.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good but in several instances, the author shared a rather bigoted view of the world and with her faith. I think this could have been done without personal opinion just beautifully. But she has passed away and it's rather irrelevant now.

[Stefanie Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to icons but I was looking for something a little more... Would be great for someone not already practicing prayer with icons for a long time.