Orthodox Icon Question

[Melista]

*Orthodox Topic*
I was curious if anyone knows if there’s a significance to why

many Icons have a distinctive line on Christ’s or the Saint’s neck?

 

[ArmyMatt]

hmm, that’s interesting. I never noticed that before. off the top of my head I would say that’s just how the clavicle is depicted, but I dunno.

 

[Melista]

hmm, that’s interesting. I never noticed that before. off the top of my head I would say that’s just how the clavicle is depicted, but I dunno.

Thank you Father.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Thank you Father.

no problem

 

[nutroll]

Father Matt is right that it's supposed to be the clavicles. This is not always clear because of the position of this crease. but bear in mind that icons don't pretend to be anatomically correct in large part because it is not meant to cause us to focus on sensual things.

 

[ArmyMatt]

bear in mind that icons don't pretend to be anatomically correct in large part because it is not meant to cause us to focus on sensual things.

yep

 

[ArmyMatt]

plus, icons are meant to visually convey the Gospel. so as one example, saints in icons usually have disproportionately large eyes and ears (he who has eyes to see, ears to hear, etc.)

 

[IoanC]

The line seems to evoke holiness.