The Entry into Jerusalem Orthodox Icon
Price range: $850 through $1700
The “Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem” icon is a majestic image of one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, created by the masters of the famous Mstyora school. It is a hand-painted work on a solid linden wood board, featuring natural egg tempera and genuine 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf. Deep, multi-layered painting and traditional execution techniques make this icon not only an object of veneration but also a highly artistic family heirloom.
Please note: Available for order in various sizes, ranging from 17×21 cm (approx. 6.7×8.3 inches) to monumental iconostasis formats. Pricing and production time are negotiable and calculated individually based on the complexity of the composition and the current workload of our leading masters.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
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In the rich palette of Orthodox feasts, the “Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem” icon stands out for its solemnity and profound drama. This image captures the moment the Savior embarks on the path of His Passion, greeted by a jubilant crowd as the true King. In the “Mstyora Icons” workshop, this subject is created with special reverence: we strive to convey not just a historical event, but the spiritual joy and stillness brought into the world by the meek King of Glory.
Mstyora Painting Technology: Fidelity to Tradition
In an era of mass production and cheap printing, our workshop relies on painstaking manual labor and the use of exclusively natural materials. Each icon, in sizes such as 27×31 cm or 30×40 cm, is created using techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. This is not merely a piece of decor, but an authentic work of church art, imbued with living prayer and the mastery of the znamenschik (composition master), lichnik (face painter), and gilder.
Theological Significance and Composition of the Image
The subject of the “Entry of the Lord” (Palm Sunday) illustrates the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy of Zechariah: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion… behold, your King is coming to you… lowly and riding on a donkey.” On the icon, we see Christ riding a young donkey. His figure is turned toward the disciples, while His gaze is fixed forward—toward Jerusalem and Golgotha. This emphasizes the voluntary nature of His sacrifice.
The Mstyora masters work masterfully with multi-figured compositions. The board harmoniously arranges groups of apostles, a crowd of townspeople with palm branches, and children spreading their garments at the Savior’s feet. The architectural background—the walls of Jerusalem—symbolizes the Heavenly City, while the rocks with characteristic “ledges” (leschadki) give the image iconographic harmony and elevation.
Features of Technique: Painting and Gold
This work is distinguished by a delicate balance between color and light. Unlike icons with solid gilding, here the master focuses the viewer’s attention on key spiritual centers through the selective use of precious metal:
- Picturesque Background: The background of the icon and elements of the landscape are executed with mineral egg tempera. This creates deep, “breathing” color transitions, conveying the softness of the air and the monumentality of the architecture. Tempera made from natural pigments (malachite, lapis lazuli, ochre) does not darken over time, but acquires special transparency and nobility.
- Gilded Halos and Margins: Only the Lord’s halo and the fields of the kovcheg (recess) are covered with 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf. This creates a radiant framing for the image, symbolizing the Divine light emanating from the shrine and emphasizing the icon’s status as a “window into the Heavenly World.”
- Fine Elaboration (Assist): The Savior’s garments are adorned with iconographic assist—the finest strokes of gold leaf applied over the painting, emphasizing the uncreated energy and Divine dignity of Christ.
The Mstyora School: From Board to Finished Image
The creation of the icon begins with the preparation of the kovcheg—a depression in the linden wood board. Linden is chosen for its softness and resistance to environmental factors. The front side is covered with linen pavoloka and multi-layered levkas (gesso), which is polished to the state of polished bone. Only after such preparation does the iconographer begin drawing and sequentially applying the layers of paint.
This approach ensures the highest quality and artistic value: there are no random elements in the work. Every brushstroke, every line of assist on the garment, and every gold contour on the halo is the result of many hours of focused work, requiring not only a steady hand but also deep knowledge of the Orthodox canon.
Sizes and Variants of Execution
The “Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem” icon is available in several variants, allowing for the selection of an optimal image for any space:
- 17×21 cm and 20×24 cm: Compact sizes, ideal for a family icon case or personal prayer.
- 27×31 cm: An analoy (lectern) format, where Mstyora painting reveals its full depth—from architectural detailing to the expression of the faces.
- 30×40 cm and Church Formats: Monumental boards for festive rows of iconostases or large church halls.
Icon Characteristics
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject Name | Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) |
| School | Mstyora icon-painting tradition |
| Base | Linden board with oak splines, kovcheg |
| Painting Technique | Mineral egg tempera on levkas |
| Gilding | 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf (halos and margins) |
| Sizes | 17×21, 20×24, 27×31, 30×40 cm, and larger |
| Purpose | Festive icon, gift, church image |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is the background of the icon painted rather than gilded?
In the Mstyora tradition, the combination of a tempera background with golden halos is considered classic. This allows for better depiction of the landscape and architecture of Jerusalem, creating a more realistic yet spiritualized icon space where gold emphasizes only the holiness of the figures.
2. What is a “kovcheg” in an icon, and why is gold applied to its margins?
A kovcheg is a depression in the center of the board, symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant. The margins of the icon, rising above the painting, are perceived as a boundary between the earthly and heavenly worlds. Covering the margins with gold creates the effect of a precious frame surrounding the sacred subject.
3. What paints are used in Mstyora painting?
We use egg tempera—a paint consisting of natural minerals ground into dust and mixed with egg yolk. This provides the icon with incredible durability and color richness that does not fade for centuries.
4. What makes the “Entry into Jerusalem” subject difficult for the master?
It is a multi-figured subject with many small details: palm branches (pussy willow), garments beneath the donkey’s feet, and the architecture of the city. The master must possess jeweler-like precision to fit all characters into the composition without losing the clarity of the image.
5. Is this icon suitable as a housewarming gift?
Yes, this image symbolizes the meeting of the Lord and invites God’s blessing into the home, filling it with peace and grace.
6. How should I care for an icon with partial gilding?
The gold on the halos and margins is very delicate. Dust should be removed only with a soft, dry squirrel-hair brush. It is strictly forbidden to use damp cloths or chemical cleaning agents.
7. Can I order an icon in a size not listed on the website?
Yes, we paint icons of any format, including iconostasis pieces. Contact us, and we will prepare a board of the required size specifically for your order.
8. Is real gold used in the halos?
Yes, we work exclusively with 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf. It is natural gold of the highest quality that does not oxidize and gives a unique “soft” glow.
9. Do mineral paints fade in the sun?
Unlike modern printing, mineral tempera pigments are absolutely resistant to ultraviolet light. The colors will remain as bright decades and even centuries later.
10. Can I see the stages of work on my icon?
Yes, upon request, we can provide photo reports at key stages of creation: from the initial drawing to the final varnishing.
| Dimensions | 27x31cm (10.6×12.2 in) ,30x40cm (11.8×15.7 in) ,20x24cm (7.9×9.4 in) |
|---|---|
| Name | Jesus |
