Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
"This beautifully illustrated book provides the reader with an excellent guide to understanding icons. . . For anyone interested in the production and meaning of icons, this book will be essential reading."
New Directions
"I guarantee you will not be disappointed by the reproductions in this book of Solrunn Nes' icons. The colours are vibrant and the faces of the figures arrest the attention of the viewer — as of course they should."
Dallas Morning News
"Nes offers a fascinating survey of Christian icons . . . accompanied by full-color images of her work."
Touchstone
"Solrunn Nes has produced a fine guide to iconography in her Mystical Language of Icons. The book is lavishly illustrated in full color throughout with Nes's own icons, each in the style of one of the various schools with which she is most conversant. All are striking and luminous — and fully in accord with the objective canonical tradition. Her work reveals how one committed prayerfully to the latter can nonetheless produce art of obvious creativity. This book is unreservedly recommended."
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant color, angelic prayer
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } The Norwegian icon writer, Solrunn Nes, has delivered a treasury of photographed icon reproductions from authorized motifs in this cloth-bound 7 X 9 1/2 inch (11.5 X 24 cm). The author produced both the icons, using egg tempura on wood, and English text. The book was published in the USA first by Eastern Christian Publications (2004), and the year following (2005) by William B. Eerdmans of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photography by Sture Nepstad and cooperative design with Jan Ole Tveit reproduce 86 complete icons, not counting an additional five or six photographic segments of icons that appear in the first chapter: "The Icon - A Glimpse of the Divine" (pp. 7-21).Embossed paper stock provides sufficient sheen to display matte tempura colors of the icons without glitz. Vibrant and accurate crimson reds, royal blues, and metallic golds unfold the mystical Paradise into which the soul's eye might enter.There are two elements to this book that I like most. First, the book adheres to the living authority of the Church in icons, which signifies an equal footing that the "Eastern Church tradition" (p. 13) extends to sacred words and images. Thus, the importance of the holy icon has been established in several Ecumenical Councils, most notably the 7th Council (a succinct summary of Nicaea II appears on p. 15).Nes discusses icons according to their canonical status. Sacred icons are not art in a relative sense of meaning such as historical artifacts alone, without also conveying one through the portal of the icon by way of its adherence to sacred tradition. Moreover, Nes advances the view that holy icons profess how the Church blends testimonies of Holy Scripture, sacred traditions, and prayerful union with the Holy Trinity, saints, and angels.Second, Nes's "Presentation of Icon Motifs" has been arranged with catechesis in mind. Nes presents Christ Pantocrator, "Ruler of all," as the first of 48 photographed Christ icons passim, and the first of six introductory motifs: Pantocrator, Triptych with Deesis, King and High Priest, Christ Emmanuel, Christ Enthroned, and the Mandylion. Four photographs of various Pantocrator icons she has written include two icons from the Cretan school as well as a third Greek variant written on driftwood, along with a fourth Serbian variant. In reference to catechesis, the author's text introduces Christ by explaining the meaning of symbols and colors.For example, in discussing the Pantocrator, Nes identifies the two robes that Christ wears as symbols of his divine and human natures. By linking her description of symbols to the "energies" of Christ and selected passages from Hebrew (O.T.) and Christian (N.T.) Scriptures, Nes harmonizes what she writes in images and words according to the ancient tradition of icon writers, which included the Apostles John the Theologian and Thomas.Catechesis begins with a total of six motifs devoted to Christ, followed by a single icon of the Holy Trinity from the Novgorod school (Russia, 12th-16th centuries). Her icon of the Holy Trinity bears the characteristic emerald green, fiery crimson, and majestic yellow colors of the Novgorod school, without also conveying an heretical inequality in images of the Persons of the Holy Trinity such as appeared in some medieval Novgorod icons.Orthodox doctrine of the Holy Trinity corrected medieval heresies. In particular, an equality of Persons survives in the celebrated Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev (15th century). Similar to Rublev, Nes deletes Abraham and Sarah from the icon's narrative. However, her icon differs from Rublev by adhering to colors of the Novgorod school and by adding a cross to the central figure's halo along with the Greek article "o = the" and the Greek verb 'to be' All features of relational communication remain intact in this icon.Eight icon motifs are devoted to the Holy Mother of God, the Theotokos. In addition, the Blessed Theotokos appears as prominent in seven icons that represent motifs from the ministry of Christ. In all, the Theotokos displays varied parts of service to Christ in 15 of Nes's icons selected for this book. Perhaps space did not permit including in text the traditions and pious translations of icons such as "Our Lady of the Sign," "Mother of God Platytera," and "Mother of God Hodegetria." Nevertheless, Nes and her co-designer, Tveit, still provide room to explain colors and symbols in each icon and devote more space to photographs. If readers seek information about traditions and translations of the models for these motif examples written by Nes, which are miracle-working icons from Russia, Crete-Greece, Macedonia-Greece, and Serbia, they must look elsewhere.Nes links the motifs of St. George and the Dragon (p.88) and the Prophet Daniel in the Lion's Den (p.89)--a link which emphasizes the Church's doctrine of a continuous thread of Patriarch/Matriarchs, Kings, Prophets, and Christian Martyrs that began witnessing Christ when time began. She concludes with icons and discussion of angels as well as important Christian saints that are common to every Orthodox Synaxarion.One page each for reviews by noted Norwegian critics, an author biography, and significant texts pertaining to holy icons conclude the 112 pages of text. Christian education for children and adults will employ this text for age-related purposes. Children from age 5 or 6 up and adults can employ the icons for sketching beneath tracing (translucent) paper. The text can serve as an introductory text of icon motifs as well as advanced text for theological inquiry.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great source on Icons
What an amazing and beautiful book, the Icons of the Church help center my life in the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is unfortunate that we still have Christians who are iconoclasts. What a great explanation on the Icons itself, the material use, and process of making an Icon. My next activity will be to make my own Icon!
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Information on Icons
This book has everything from the history, techniques for painting icons and Biblical references on a mulitude of Saints. I used it as a resource book for my talk on icons along with other information from additional resources. I brought the book to my talk. Many people were interested in it and considered buying it for themselves. I highly recommend it!
5.0 out of 5 stars User friendly I introduction for the language of icon.
It is a good book for idiots of icon. The author presented each icon in detail, such as the message which the icon intended to be announce ! I give it five stars because it is readable for foreigner such as I who is a non-native English reader! However, it is lesser to take about the historical element with each icon. Therefore, it is only an introduction for icon beginner!
4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to icons
Full of information and explanation. I enjoyed the many examples of the vast array of icon subjects and their traditional representations.
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Inspirational
I read "The Language of Icons" with the intention of learning more about the mode of religious art most characteristic of Eastern Christianity. The book far exceeded my expectations. I learned more about icons than I ever would have hoped. The reproductions of representative icons were beautiful and luminous. Moreover, the text was deeply spiritual and inspiring. The reader is drawn to meditate on the Christian message that the icons symbolize. There are books that are informative and books that are inspiring. This book manages to be both.
5.0 out of 5 stars Mindnumbing.
Wished I knew of the beauty and power of icons years ago. Working on collecting as many icons that I can.
5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived quickly
This book is a must have for those who enjoy icons. There's some history and technical information about icons that is fascinating and the pictures are out of this world. Beautiful!!
Petit livre très bien illustré
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Des thèmes religieux, des saints sont illustrés par de belles photographies d'icônes & un petit texte. A recommander aux iconographes.
Wonderful book by a Master Icon Writer
This beautifully produced book is deceptively simple in its description of the icons included. Re-reading really repays the attention, and the more time you spend with the images themselves, the more there is to find. Solrunn Nes has taken both Russian and Greek traditions to find her own interpretation of the style in which the icons can be shown, and the result is pure and clean. All the images in the book are her work, and all are true to the old traditions and images. It is wonderful to see how a modern icon writer can remain so true to the integrity of each representation, yet bring her own artistic judgement and creativity to enlarge it for a 21st century sensibility. The book itself is a small masterpiece, each icon beautifully described, its essence quietly shown in words. Highly recommended!
Educational and spiritually stirring
Learned a loooot about the icons! Many examples of icons were discussed thoroughly and meaningfully. So hard to find aniconography book that incorporates western perspective as well.
A beautiful book
To buy a book online is always a worry but on receipt of this book I was overjoyed. The pages were glossy and firm, the many photos all in colour and great clarity. The religious aspect and description of each icon was beautifully written. Allowing me to come to a greater understanding of each.
Amazing book on iconography
Well written and lavishly illustrated throughout. I learned a lot
Visit the Solrunn Nes (Author) Store
The Mystical Language of Icons
AED12829
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Visit the Solrunn Nes (Author) Store
The Mystical Language of Icons
AED12829
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
"This beautifully illustrated book provides the reader with an excellent guide to understanding icons. . . For anyone interested in the production and meaning of icons, this book will be essential reading."
New Directions
"I guarantee you will not be disappointed by the reproductions in this book of Solrunn Nes' icons. The colours are vibrant and the faces of the figures arrest the attention of the viewer — as of course they should."
Dallas Morning News
"Nes offers a fascinating survey of Christian icons . . . accompanied by full-color images of her work."
Touchstone
"Solrunn Nes has produced a fine guide to iconography in her Mystical Language of Icons. The book is lavishly illustrated in full color throughout with Nes's own icons, each in the style of one of the various schools with which she is most conversant. All are striking and luminous — and fully in accord with the objective canonical tradition. Her work reveals how one committed prayerfully to the latter can nonetheless produce art of obvious creativity. This book is unreservedly recommended."
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant color, angelic prayer
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } The Norwegian icon writer, Solrunn Nes, has delivered a treasury of photographed icon reproductions from authorized motifs in this cloth-bound 7 X 9 1/2 inch (11.5 X 24 cm). The author produced both the icons, using egg tempura on wood, and English text. The book was published in the USA first by Eastern Christian Publications (2004), and the year following (2005) by William B. Eerdmans of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photography by Sture Nepstad and cooperative design with Jan Ole Tveit reproduce 86 complete icons, not counting an additional five or six photographic segments of icons that appear in the first chapter: "The Icon - A Glimpse of the Divine" (pp. 7-21).Embossed paper stock provides sufficient sheen to display matte tempura colors of the icons without glitz. Vibrant and accurate crimson reds, royal blues, and metallic golds unfold the mystical Paradise into which the soul's eye might enter.There are two elements to this book that I like most. First, the book adheres to the living authority of the Church in icons, which signifies an equal footing that the "Eastern Church tradition" (p. 13) extends to sacred words and images. Thus, the importance of the holy icon has been established in several Ecumenical Councils, most notably the 7th Council (a succinct summary of Nicaea II appears on p. 15).Nes discusses icons according to their canonical status. Sacred icons are not art in a relative sense of meaning such as historical artifacts alone, without also conveying one through the portal of the icon by way of its adherence to sacred tradition. Moreover, Nes advances the view that holy icons profess how the Church blends testimonies of Holy Scripture, sacred traditions, and prayerful union with the Holy Trinity, saints, and angels.Second, Nes's "Presentation of Icon Motifs" has been arranged with catechesis in mind. Nes presents Christ Pantocrator, "Ruler of all," as the first of 48 photographed Christ icons passim, and the first of six introductory motifs: Pantocrator, Triptych with Deesis, King and High Priest, Christ Emmanuel, Christ Enthroned, and the Mandylion. Four photographs of various Pantocrator icons she has written include two icons from the Cretan school as well as a third Greek variant written on driftwood, along with a fourth Serbian variant. In reference to catechesis, the author's text introduces Christ by explaining the meaning of symbols and colors.For example, in discussing the Pantocrator, Nes identifies the two robes that Christ wears as symbols of his divine and human natures. By linking her description of symbols to the "energies" of Christ and selected passages from Hebrew (O.T.) and Christian (N.T.) Scriptures, Nes harmonizes what she writes in images and words according to the ancient tradition of icon writers, which included the Apostles John the Theologian and Thomas.Catechesis begins with a total of six motifs devoted to Christ, followed by a single icon of the Holy Trinity from the Novgorod school (Russia, 12th-16th centuries). Her icon of the Holy Trinity bears the characteristic emerald green, fiery crimson, and majestic yellow colors of the Novgorod school, without also conveying an heretical inequality in images of the Persons of the Holy Trinity such as appeared in some medieval Novgorod icons.Orthodox doctrine of the Holy Trinity corrected medieval heresies. In particular, an equality of Persons survives in the celebrated Holy Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev (15th century). Similar to Rublev, Nes deletes Abraham and Sarah from the icon's narrative. However, her icon differs from Rublev by adhering to colors of the Novgorod school and by adding a cross to the central figure's halo along with the Greek article "o = the" and the Greek verb 'to be' All features of relational communication remain intact in this icon.Eight icon motifs are devoted to the Holy Mother of God, the Theotokos. In addition, the Blessed Theotokos appears as prominent in seven icons that represent motifs from the ministry of Christ. In all, the Theotokos displays varied parts of service to Christ in 15 of Nes's icons selected for this book. Perhaps space did not permit including in text the traditions and pious translations of icons such as "Our Lady of the Sign," "Mother of God Platytera," and "Mother of God Hodegetria." Nevertheless, Nes and her co-designer, Tveit, still provide room to explain colors and symbols in each icon and devote more space to photographs. If readers seek information about traditions and translations of the models for these motif examples written by Nes, which are miracle-working icons from Russia, Crete-Greece, Macedonia-Greece, and Serbia, they must look elsewhere.Nes links the motifs of St. George and the Dragon (p.88) and the Prophet Daniel in the Lion's Den (p.89)--a link which emphasizes the Church's doctrine of a continuous thread of Patriarch/Matriarchs, Kings, Prophets, and Christian Martyrs that began witnessing Christ when time began. She concludes with icons and discussion of angels as well as important Christian saints that are common to every Orthodox Synaxarion.One page each for reviews by noted Norwegian critics, an author biography, and significant texts pertaining to holy icons conclude the 112 pages of text. Christian education for children and adults will employ this text for age-related purposes. Children from age 5 or 6 up and adults can employ the icons for sketching beneath tracing (translucent) paper. The text can serve as an introductory text of icon motifs as well as advanced text for theological inquiry.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great source on Icons
What an amazing and beautiful book, the Icons of the Church help center my life in the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is unfortunate that we still have Christians who are iconoclasts. What a great explanation on the Icons itself, the material use, and process of making an Icon. My next activity will be to make my own Icon!
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Information on Icons
This book has everything from the history, techniques for painting icons and Biblical references on a mulitude of Saints. I used it as a resource book for my talk on icons along with other information from additional resources. I brought the book to my talk. Many people were interested in it and considered buying it for themselves. I highly recommend it!
5.0 out of 5 stars User friendly I introduction for the language of icon.
It is a good book for idiots of icon. The author presented each icon in detail, such as the message which the icon intended to be announce ! I give it five stars because it is readable for foreigner such as I who is a non-native English reader! However, it is lesser to take about the historical element with each icon. Therefore, it is only an introduction for icon beginner!
4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to icons
Full of information and explanation. I enjoyed the many examples of the vast array of icon subjects and their traditional representations.
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Inspirational
I read "The Language of Icons" with the intention of learning more about the mode of religious art most characteristic of Eastern Christianity. The book far exceeded my expectations. I learned more about icons than I ever would have hoped. The reproductions of representative icons were beautiful and luminous. Moreover, the text was deeply spiritual and inspiring. The reader is drawn to meditate on the Christian message that the icons symbolize. There are books that are informative and books that are inspiring. This book manages to be both.
5.0 out of 5 stars Mindnumbing.
Wished I knew of the beauty and power of icons years ago. Working on collecting as many icons that I can.
5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived quickly
This book is a must have for those who enjoy icons. There's some history and technical information about icons that is fascinating and the pictures are out of this world. Beautiful!!
Petit livre très bien illustré
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Des thèmes religieux, des saints sont illustrés par de belles photographies d'icônes & un petit texte. A recommander aux iconographes.
Wonderful book by a Master Icon Writer
This beautifully produced book is deceptively simple in its description of the icons included. Re-reading really repays the attention, and the more time you spend with the images themselves, the more there is to find. Solrunn Nes has taken both Russian and Greek traditions to find her own interpretation of the style in which the icons can be shown, and the result is pure and clean. All the images in the book are her work, and all are true to the old traditions and images. It is wonderful to see how a modern icon writer can remain so true to the integrity of each representation, yet bring her own artistic judgement and creativity to enlarge it for a 21st century sensibility. The book itself is a small masterpiece, each icon beautifully described, its essence quietly shown in words. Highly recommended!
Educational and spiritually stirring
Learned a loooot about the icons! Many examples of icons were discussed thoroughly and meaningfully. So hard to find aniconography book that incorporates western perspective as well.
A beautiful book
To buy a book online is always a worry but on receipt of this book I was overjoyed. The pages were glossy and firm, the many photos all in colour and great clarity. The religious aspect and description of each icon was beautifully written. Allowing me to come to a greater understanding of each.
Amazing book on iconography
Well written and lavishly illustrated throughout. I learned a lot
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Saints”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U080286497K