What is an icon?

Responses

artwork painted on the outside of buildings with domes

artwork painted on the outside of buildings with domes

a sacrilegious statue worshiped by heathens called iconoclasts

a sacrilegious statue worshiped by heathens called iconoclasts

a religious work of art depicting holy people and/or events

a religious work of art depicting holy people and/or events

a sculpture created in white marble by an iconologist

1 answer

An icon is best described as a religious work of art depicting holy people and/or events. Icons are often used in Christian traditions, particularly in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to represent sacred figures and scenes. They are venerated as windows to the divine rather than objects of worship themselves.