An icon (from Greek εἰκών eikōn "image") is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of contexts for an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy, as in semiotics; by extension, icon is also used, particularly in modern culture, in the general sense of symbol — i.e. a name, face, picture, edifice or even a person readily recognized as having some well-known significance or embodying certain qualities: one thing, an image or depiction, that represents something else of greater significance through literal or figurative meaning, usually associated with religious, cultural, political, or economic standing.

Throughout history, various religious cultures have been inspired or supplemented by concrete images, whether in two dimensions or three. The degree to which images are used or permitted, and their functions — whether they are for instruction or inspiration, treated as sacred objects of veneration or worship, or simply applied as ornament — depend upon the tenets of a given religion in a given place and time.

In Eastern Christianity and other icon-painting Christian traditions, the icon is generally a flat panel painting depicting a holy being or object such as Jesus, Mary, saints, angels, or the cross. Icons may also be cast in metal, carved in stone, embroidered on cloth, painted on wood, done in mosaic or fresco work, printed on paper or metal, etc. Creating free-standing, three-dimensional sculptures of holy figures was resisted by Christians for many centuries, out of the belief that daimones inhabited pagan sculptures, and also to make a clear distinction between Christian and pagan art. To this day, in obedience to the commandment not to make "graven images", Orthodox icons may never be more than three-quarter bas relief. Comparable images from Western Christianity are generally not described as "icons", although "iconic" may be used to describe a static style of devotional image.

Matching Results for Religious Icon:

icon
A religious icon. An image, symbol, picture, or other representation usually as an object ... That man is an icon in the business; he personifies loyalty and good ...

iconoclasm
The belief in, participation in, or sanction of destroying religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually with religious or political motives. ...

iconoclast
One who destroys religious images or icons, especially an opponent of the ... One who destroys religious images or icons, especially an opponent of the ...

Matching Results for Religious Icon:

Babylon 5
It is unusual in its focus on a story arc which dominates the events through its ... [Lennier tells Aldous about the Minbari's warrior and religious castes. ...

Gloria Estefan
Darling, you look like a religious icon there [in her high school graduation picture]. comment by Isaac, host of Style Network fashion program (December 15, 2006) ...

Richard Feynman
Nor should it pronounce on the validity of economic, historic, religious, or philosophical doctrines. ... The public has demonstrated remarkably good taste in choosing its icons. ...

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