Classical Iconography Institute
Classical Iconography Institute is a fine arts educational nonprofit dedicated to teaching the liturgical art of iconography in the ancient method of egg tempera, preserving one of the oldest art forms of the ancient Christian East and West.
Our mission is to teach and preserve this ancient liturgical art and so in keeping true to authenticity, the Institute observes ancient iconography canons, teaches underlying geometry, and educates students on mixing natural earth and ground minerals bound with egg tempera emulsion to create pigment. We source our natural pigments from Zecchi’s Colori Belle Arti in Florence, Italy, the site of a continuously operating pigment purveyor since the 14th century because they are closest to historic pigments used by early iconographers. Their authenticity is one reason why the Uffizi chooses the same pigments for conservation of the world’s masterpieces.
In addition to learning iconography technique, underlying theology and the historic language of symbolism, students learn to collaborate and paint together as an atelier to produce commissions under the tutelage of a master, just as in centuries past. All of these skills fit under the over arching purpose of the icon: to serve as a liturgical form of prayer. Classes are structured within the liturgical calendar and offer accompanying prayers to build the iconographer’s prayer life.
This Institute continues the legacy of the Iconographic Arts Institute founded at Mt. Angel Abbey in 1987 that was centered in the most ancient tradition and methods of sacred iconography born from firsthand instruction by some of the world’s master iconographers, including Fr Egon Sendler. In 2022, the Iconographic Arts Institute nonprofit was transferred to new leadership and a new location, expanding its scope as a year-round Classical Iconography institute, at St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Oregon, uniquely one of the only such programs in the country.
Classical Iconography Institute focuses on teaching the classic Byzantine iconographic style at its golden age in 14th century Russia as seen in the work of Theophanes the Greek and St. Andrei Rublev. Students learn every aspect of this liturgical craft, from preparing gesso made from ground marble and rabbit skin glue for icon board preparation, to mixing pigment, applying geometry to the board and foundational drawing, and finally painting. We offer a variety of both in-person and online programs in Byzantine drawing and Iconography, ranging from three beginning levels to intermediate and advanced iconography instruction offered by iconographers with decades of experience.