Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

late Latin ''īcōn'' (Pliny), < Greek ''εἰκών'' , ''εἰκον''- likeness, [[image]], portrait, semblance, similitude, [[simile]], ''εἴκ-ειν'' to be like

late Latin ''īcōn'' (Pliny), < Greek ''εἰκών'' , ''εἰκον''- likeness, [[image]], portrait, semblance, similitude, [[simile]], ''εἴκ-ειν'' to be like

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1572]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1572]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1: a usually pictorial [[representation]] : image

*1: a usually pictorial [[representation]] : image

:b : a graphic [[symbol]] on a computer display screen that usually suggests the type of object [[represented]] or the [[purpose]] of an available [[function]]

:b : a graphic [[symbol]] on a computer display screen that usually suggests the type of object [[represented]] or the [[purpose]] of an available [[function]]

==Description==

==Description==

An '''icon''' (from Greek εἰκών eikōn "image") is a [[religious]] work of [[art]], most commonly a painting, from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity Eastern Christianity] and in certain Eastern Catholic churches. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of [[contexts]] for an [[image]], picture, or [[representation]]; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by [[signifying]] or representing it either concretely or by [[analogy]], as in [[semiotics]]; by extension, icon is also used, particularly in [[modern]] [[culture]], in the general sense of [[symbol]] — i.e. a name, [[face]], picture, edifice or even a [[person]] readily recognized as having some well-known significance or embodying certain [[qualities]]: one thing, an image or depiction, that represents something else of greater significance through [[literal]] or figurative [[meaning]], usually associated with [[religious]], [[cultural]], [[political]], or [[economic]] standing.

An '''icon''' (from Greek εἰκών eikōn "image") is a [[religious]] work of [[art]], most commonly a painting, from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity Eastern Christianity] and in certain Eastern Catholic churches. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of [[contexts]] for an [[image]], picture, or [[representation]]; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by [[signifying]] or representing it either concretely or by [[analogy]], as in [[semiotics]]; by extension, icon is also used, particularly in [[modern]] [[culture]], in the general sense of [[symbol]] — i.e. a name, [[face]], picture, edifice or even a [[person]] readily recognized as having some well-known significance or embodying certain [[qualities]]: one thing, an image or depiction, that represents something else of greater significance through [[literal]] or figurative [[meaning]], usually associated with [[religious]], [[cultural]], [[political]], or [[economic]] standing.

Throughout [[history]], various religious cultures have been [[inspired]] or supplemented by concrete images, whether in two [[dimensions]] or three. The [[degree]] to which images are used or [[permitted]], and their [[functions]] — whether they are for instruction or [[inspiration]], treated as [[sacred]] objects of veneration or [[worship]], or simply applied as ornament — depend upon the tenets of a given [[religion]] in a given place and time.

Throughout [[history]], various religious cultures have been [[inspired]] or supplemented by concrete images, whether in two [[dimensions]] or three. The [[degree]] to which images are used or [[permitted]], and their [[functions]] — whether they are for instruction or [[inspiration]], treated as [[sacred]] objects of veneration or [[worship]], or simply applied as ornament — depend upon the tenets of a given [[religion]] in a given place and time.

In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity Eastern Christianity] and other icon-painting [[Christian]] [[traditions]], the icon is generally a flat panel painting depicting a [[holy]] [[being]] or object such as [[Jesus]], [[Mary]], saints, [[angels]], or the [[cross]]. Icons may also be cast in metal, carved in stone, embroidered on cloth, painted on wood, done in [[mosaic]] or fresco work, printed on [[paper]] or metal, etc. Creating free-standing, three-dimensional [[sculptures]] of [[holy]] figures was resisted by [[Christians]] for many centuries, out of the belief that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daemon_(mythology) ''daimones''] inhabited [[pagan]] [[sculptures]], and also to make a clear distinction between [[Christian]] and pagan art. To this day, in [[obedience]] to the commandment not to make "graven images", Orthodox icons may never be more than three-quarter [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bas_relief bas relief]. Comparable images from Western Christianity are generally not [[described]] as "icons", although "iconic" may be used to [[describe]] a static style of [[devotional]] image.  

In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity Eastern Christianity] and other icon-painting [[Christian]] [[traditions]], the icon is generally a flat panel painting depicting a [[holy]] [[being]] or object such as [[Jesus]], [[Mary]], saints, [[angels]], or the [[cross]]. Icons may also be cast in metal, carved in stone, embroidered on cloth, painted on wood, done in [[mosaic]] or fresco work, printed on [[paper]] or metal, etc. Creating free-standing, three-dimensional [[sculptures]] of [[holy]] figures was resisted by [[Christians]] for many centuries, out of the belief that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daemon_(mythology) ''daimones''] inhabited [[pagan]] [[sculptures]], and also to make a clear distinction between [[Christian]] and pagan art. To this day, in [[obedience]] to the commandment not to make "graven images", Orthodox icons may never be more than three-quarter [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bas_relief bas relief]. Comparable images from Western Christianity are generally not [[described]] as "icons", although "iconic" may be used to [[describe]] a static style of [[devotional]] image.  

[[Category: Art]]

[[Category: Art]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Sociology]]

[[Category: Sociology]]