Ascension of Jesus Christ Orthodox Icon
Ascension of Jesus Christ Orthodox Icon is a monumental hand-painted feast icon created in the Mstyora academic tradition.
Materials: linden wood board with oak splines and kovcheg, linen pavoloka, chalk gesso, egg tempera with natural mineral pigments, genuine 960-grade gold leaf, and protective varnish.
Technique: academic Orthodox icon painting on wood. Size, price, and making time are agreed individually. Free international shipping. Payment after receiving.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
Free shipping worldwide
Ascension of Jesus Christ Orthodox Icon is a monumental hand-painted feast icon of one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. It bears witness to the fulfillment of Christ’s promise of salvation and to His return in glory to God the Father.
The Ascension is a complex multi-figure composition that requires artistic skill and deep prayerful attention. In the Mstyora academic style, the icon combines soft painting, spiritual depth, carefully modeled faces, and the luminous effect of genuine 960-grade gold leaf.
Theological Meaning of the Ascension
The Ascension of the Lord took place on the fortieth day after His glorious Resurrection. On the Mount of Olives, Christ blessed His disciples and began to ascend into heaven until a cloud received Him from their sight.
This event marks the glorification of human nature in Christ. The Lord ascends not only in His divine nature but also in the humanity He assumed, opening the way to the Kingdom of Heaven for every believer. The icon speaks of hope, blessing, and the unbroken bond between the heavenly Church and the earthly Church.
Christ ascends, yet He does not abandon His people. The feast carries His promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Iconographic Details in the Mstyora Tradition
The Ascension icon is one of the richest compositions in Orthodox iconography. Each element is painted with theological meaning and artistic care:
- Christ in glory: In the upper part of the icon, the Savior is shown seated or enthroned in a radiant mandorla, blessing the apostles as He ascends. Fine gold assist may emphasize His divine nature.
- The Mother of God: The Theotokos stands in the center of the lower group, directly beneath the ascending Christ. Her stillness expresses prayer, faith, and the calm expectation of the Church.
- The apostles and angels: The apostles stand in two groups, their gestures full of wonder, hope, and holy amazement. Two angels in white garments point toward the ascending Lord and proclaim the promise of His return.
- The Mount of Olives: The landscape is painted with soft academic transitions, giving the earthly scene depth while preserving the sacred structure of the icon.
- Smooth gold background: The 960-grade gold leaf background is intentionally smooth, creating a field of pure divine light that does not compete with the many figures of the composition.
Technique and Durability: A Family Sacred Image
Work on an Ascension icon takes considerable time because of the number of figures and the strict requirements of traditional icon painting. The icon is made not as a decorative picture but as a holy image intended for prayer and long-term preservation.
The work begins with a carefully selected linden wood board that has been naturally dried. Oak splines are inserted by hand to help protect the board from warping. Linen pavoloka is applied to the front surface, followed by traditional gesso made from chalk and glue. Each layer is dried and polished before painting and gilding.
The painting is done with natural mineral pigments mixed with egg emulsion. The gold background is made with genuine 960-grade gold leaf. A final protective coating helps preserve the paint and gold from dust and ordinary environmental effects.
Individual Price and Making Time
Please note that the Ascension of Jesus Christ Orthodox Icon is one of the more labor-intensive feast icons. It contains a multi-figure composition with Christ, the Mother of God, two angels, and the apostles, each requiring careful work in the academic style.
For this reason, the final price is agreed individually. It depends on several factors:
- The chosen size of the board, from a home icon to a large church image
- The level of detail in the landscape, garments, faces, and gold work
- The current schedule of the leading iconographers
The usual making time is about four to eight weeks. In icon painting, speed should never come at the expense of reverence, quality, and proper technique.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base | Linden wood, oak splines, kovcheg |
| Painting style | Mstyora academic icon painting |
| Gilding | Genuine 960-grade gold leaf, smooth background |
| Composition | Multi-figure feast icon with Christ, Theotokos, apostles, and angels |
| Price | Agreed individually |
For Home, Church, and Iconostasis
The Ascension icon is a solemn and joyful image suitable for a home icon corner, chapel, parish, or feast row of an iconostasis. It is often chosen as a meaningful church gift because the feast expresses the triumph of faith, the hope of salvation, and the living presence of Christ in His Church.
Larger church and iconostasis sizes can be discussed individually. The icon may also be adapted with additional saints on the borders if this is appropriate for a particular family or parish commission.
Shipping and Payment
Free international shipping is included. The icon is carefully packed to protect the painted surface and gold background during delivery. Payment is made after receiving the icon.
Questions and Answers
What does the Ascension of Jesus Christ Orthodox Icon show?
The icon shows Christ ascending in glory on the fortieth day after His Resurrection, while the Mother of God, the apostles, and angels stand below in prayer, wonder, and expectation.
What is the theological meaning of the Ascension?
The Ascension reveals Christ’s return in glory to the Father and the glorification of human nature in Him. It also affirms His promise to remain with the Church until the end of the age.
Why is the Mother of God placed in the center?
In the iconographic tradition, the Theotokos stands at the center of the lower group as an image of the earthly Church, remaining in prayer and awaiting the fulfillment of Christ’s promise.
Why are angels shown beside the apostles?
The angels point toward the ascending Lord and recall the promise that Christ will come again in the same way as He ascended into heaven.
Why is the price agreed individually?
The Ascension is a complex multi-figure icon with Christ, the Mother of God, apostles, angels, landscape, gold, and many details. The final price depends on size, level of detail, and painting time.
How long does it take to paint this icon?
The usual making time is about four to eight weeks, depending on the size, complexity, and current workshop schedule.
What materials are used?
The icon is painted on a linden wood board with oak splines and kovcheg, linen pavoloka, traditional gesso, egg tempera with mineral pigments, 960-grade gold leaf, and protective varnish.
Can this icon be ordered for an iconostasis?
Yes. The Ascension icon can be painted in larger church and iconostasis formats according to individual dimensions.
How should the smooth gold background be cared for?
The gold background should not be touched with wet cloths or cleaning products. Dust it only with a dry, very soft brush, and keep the icon away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Do you offer international shipping and when is payment made?
Yes. Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after receiving the icon.
