Hand-Painted Icon of the Holy Face
$3000
30 x 50 cm (11.8 x 19.7 in).
Hand-Painted Icon of the Holy Face is painted to order on a linden wood board with linen pavoloka, chalk gesso, egg tempera on egg yolk, natural pigments, 960-grade gold leaf, and protective varnish.
Technique: academic hand painting on wood. Free international shipping. Payment after receiving.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
1 in stock
Free shipping worldwide
Hand-Painted Icon of the Holy Face is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of Christ known as the Holy Face, or the Image Not Made by Hands. This ancient and deeply venerated image is connected with the Church tradition of the cloth on which the face of the Savior was miraculously imprinted. The icon reveals the true human face of Christ, His saving love, and His nearness to those who turn to Him in prayer.
Each icon is painted individually by experienced iconographers on a prepared wooden board with traditional natural materials. The image is made with reverence, attention to detail, and respect for Orthodox icon-painting tradition, so that the finished work can become a prayerful and lasting sacred image for a home, church, chapel, or monastery.
Characteristics of the Holy Face Icon
- Size: 30 x 50 cm (11.8 x 19.7 in); other sizes can be painted to order
- Base: linden wood board with applied and inlaid splines
- Ground: chalk gesso, a traditional natural white ground
- Technique: academic hand painting on wood, egg tempera painting
- Gilding: 960-grade gold leaf on the halo and selected details
- Paints: egg tempera on egg yolk with natural pigments
- Reinforcement: linen pavoloka
- Protection: final protective varnish
- Status: painted to order
- Shipping: free international shipping, payment after receiving
Description of the Holy Face
The Holy Face is one of the most revered images of Jesus Christ in the Orthodox Church. According to tradition, King Abgar of Edessa, suffering from illness, sent messengers to Christ asking for healing. The Lord washed His face, wiped it with a cloth, and His true image was imprinted on the fabric. This is why the icon is called the Image Not Made by Hands.
The icon does not present a narrative scene. Instead, all attention is gathered around the face of the Savior. The image speaks of Christ’s saving power, divine love, and merciful presence. It is especially valued as an icon of consolation, healing, spiritual protection, and quiet prayer before the living face of the Lord.
Creating the Icon to Order
Painting the Holy Face icon is a careful multi-stage process:
- Preparing the wooden board: selecting, drying, sanding, and strengthening the linden board with linen pavoloka
- Applying gesso: creating a smooth natural white ground from chalk and glue
- Drawing the composition: marking the proportions, contours, and structure of the image
- Egg tempera painting: painting the face and details with traditional tempera on egg yolk
- Gilding: applying 960-grade gold leaf to the halo and decorative details
- Chasing and finishing the gold: giving selected areas texture, depth, and light
- Protective coating: applying a final varnish to help preserve the icon
- Blessing by request: the icon may be blessed before it is sent, if requested
Natural Materials for Long Life
The icon is made with traditional materials that have been used in Orthodox icon painting for centuries:
- Linden wood board: a traditional icon-painting material valued for stability and durability
- Linen pavoloka: a reinforcing fabric layer that helps protect the painted surface from cracking
- Chalk gesso: a natural ground that prepares the board for painting
- Egg tempera: natural pigments bound with egg yolk, known for lasting depth of color
- 960-grade gold leaf: used for the halo and details, giving the icon a true sacred radiance
- Protective varnish: helps protect the finished icon from dust and ordinary environmental effects
With proper care, a hand-painted icon made in this way can remain a prayerful family shrine for many generations.
Why Choose a Hand-Painted Orthodox Icon
- Traditional craft: the icon is painted by hand according to Orthodox icon-painting practice
- Canonical image: the Holy Face follows the established iconography of the Image Not Made by Hands
- Unique work: every icon is painted individually, not printed or mass produced
- Personal order: the size and details can be discussed before painting begins
- Natural materials: wood, gesso, egg tempera, natural pigments, and gold leaf are used
- Long-term value: the icon is made for prayer, veneration, and careful preservation
- Clear ordering terms: free international shipping is included, with payment after receiving
How to Order the Holy Face Icon
The ordering process is simple. You can discuss the desired size, materials, timing, and any important details before the icon is painted. If you have a reference image or a particular version of the Holy Face in mind, it can be used as a guide while keeping the work within Orthodox iconographic tradition.
- Choose the size or discuss a custom format
- Confirm the materials, finish, and timing
- The iconographer paints the icon by hand
- The finished icon is carefully packed for shipping
- Free international shipping is included
- Payment is made after receiving the icon
Shipping and Guarantee
- Free international shipping
- Payment after receiving
- Careful protective packaging
- Guarantee of hand-painted work and quality materials
- With proper care, the icon is made to last for many years
Questions and Answers
What is the Hand-Painted Icon of the Holy Face?
The Hand-Painted Icon of the Holy Face is an Orthodox icon of Christ known as the Image Not Made by Hands. According to Church tradition, the face of the Savior was miraculously imprinted on a cloth, making this one of the most ancient and revered images of Christ.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Holy Face icon?
The Holy Face witnesses to the Incarnation: the invisible God became visible in the human face of Jesus Christ. It is an icon of prayer, consolation, healing, and spiritual protection.
What size is shown for this icon?
The listed size is 30 x 50 cm (11.8 x 19.7 in). Other sizes can be discussed individually before the icon is painted.
How long does it take to paint the icon?
The usual making time is about 30 days. This includes preparing the board, applying gesso, painting the image, gilding, and applying the protective finish.
Why is a hand-painted wooden icon different from a printed reproduction?
A hand-painted icon is created individually by an iconographer using traditional materials such as a linden board, gesso, egg tempera, and gold leaf. It is not a printed decoration but a unique work made for prayer and long-term devotional use.
Can I order the icon in another size?
Yes. The icon can be painted in another size, from a small home icon to a larger church or iconostasis format. The final size is discussed before work begins.
What materials are used?
The icon is painted on a linden wood board with linen pavoloka and chalk gesso. Egg tempera on egg yolk, natural pigments, 960-grade gold leaf, and a protective varnish are used.
How should I care for the icon?
Keep the icon in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, heat, and sudden temperature changes. Dust it gently with a dry soft cloth or brush; do not wash it with water.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes. Free international shipping is included, and the icon is packed carefully for safe delivery.
When is payment made?
Payment is made after receiving the icon.
| Dimensions | 30x50cm (11.8×19.7 in) |
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