The Ikon Studio
Altar triptychs
"Emmaus" triptych
The icon shown here is a 10' x 6' "triptych"--a painting done on three wooden panels hinged together. It illustrates how The Ikon Studio has applied traditional theological and artistic principles in innovative ways.
St.. Luke's Catholic Church, McLean, Va., asked us to design an icon for the altar wall of its eucharistic chapel. We chose as our theme the Emmaus story found in St.. Luke's Gospel: Two disciples on the road after the crucifixion meet a stranger. They sit down together for a meal, only to recognize the stranger as their risen Master "in the breaking of the bread" (Luke 24:13-35).
If you study the traditional treatment for the altar wall, you'll find icon painters of the past used only one eucharistic composition for the altar wall, the "Communion of the Apostles," which depicts Christ distributing the wine and bread at the "Last Supper" (traditional term in the Latin Church), or "Mystical Supper," as it is known in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
We proposed the Emmaus theme as an alternative for several reasons:
- Its content is both eucharistic and resurrectional
- The image visually links the first eucharistic community with the present worshipping community
- The story is found only in the Gospel of St. Luke, which connects it in a special way to the parish, dedicated to St. Luke as its patron saint
- The triptych format enables us to depict the parish's patron saint
- It also enables us to depict the Mother of God in her role as intercessor before Christ, and representative of the Church at prayer
- The composition witnesses to the Communion of Saints, the belief the faithful in heaven join with us on earth in a living bond of worship before Christ
"Emmaus" triptych, version #2
This second version of the Emmaus triptych was painted for St. Luke's Catholic Church, El Cajon, Calif. It differs from the previous version by altering the outline of the wood structure framing the paintings, and more importantly, by including a woman disciple (on right) in the central grouping of figures.
The triptych (approx. 12' x 14') shown here was commissioned by St. Anne's Catholic Church, Barrington, Ill., for its new sanctuary. The central panel depicts Christ in majesty above a stylized mountain. He is surrounded by star-spangled orbs representing his glory, and with stylized rainbows serving as his throne and footstool.
The open book displays the text: "On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare a banquet of rich fare for all the peoples." (Isaiah 25, 6). He is flanked on either side by angels, carrying a plate of bread and pitcher of wine. Companion images of the sun and moon occupy the upper portion of both wings of the triptych. (Not shown here are two decorative panels, one with a grape motif the other with wheat, added in the rectangular spaces below each angel.)
The text and images of bread/wheat and wine/grapes carry the eucharistic theme home, while the mountain, sun, moon,stars and rainbow elements suggest the cosmic dimensions of Christ's glory.
Use of the "mountain banquet" theme for the sanctuary triptych is as much an historic "first" as is the use of the Emmaus narrative. Credit for suggesting the mountain banquet theme is due the liturgical consultant John Buscemi, who served as liturgical consultant for St. Anne's in Barrington.
We hope these three triptychs show how we strive to honor past tradition, while contributing to its life in the present.