Iconography Question: St. John the Forerunner

[minasoliman]

Dear Michael, (or any iconagrapher)

I was wondering if you know whether there's a "proper" and an "improper" icon of St. John the Forerunner. There's this one icon that causing some controversy in my own church, the icon of St. John depicted as one with angelic wings holding his own head. I've understood there's a spiritual interpretation to this, but many have debated that this is an unnecessary part of the icon. They would rather depict him as the one who baptized Christ and witnessed the revelation of the Holy Trinity.

What are your takes?

Mina

 

[repentant]

Dear Michael, (or any iconagrapher)

I was wondering if you know whether there's a "proper" and an "improper" icon of St. John the Forerunner. There's this one icon that causing some controversy in my own church, the icon of St. John depicted as one with angelic wings holding his own head. I've understood there's a spiritual interpretation to this, but many have debated that this is an unnecessary part of the icon. They would rather depict him as the one who baptized Christ and witnessed the revelation of the Holy Trinity.

What are your takes?

Mina

Not an iconographer, but that icon is perfectly acceptable. Many icons depict how the Saint died. In this one, I believe the wings mean how he was the forerunner or messenger, and the head in his hands show his way of death and his martyrdom by the hands of Herod. It also depicts his life in the wilderness..

"Come Ye to Christ with Faith and Be Saved."

 

[choirfiend]

That's a quite traditional way to depict St. John--it's more unusual to be MISSING one of those elements.

 

[Michael G]

There are a number of different icons of St. John the Forerunner. The icon of him holding his head is proper, as is the one where he has wings, as well as the Baptiser. I will get back to you on this subject tomorrow, when I have the time to adress it.