6th century to the 11th century Byzantine icon - the oldest Byzantine icon

According to church tradition, the oldest icon before AD 313 by Emperor Constantine established Christianity as the state religion, at the time of the Christian persecution had already appeared, but these icons have not saved. Before the 5th century early Christian frescoes and mosaics are not icons in the strict sense.
The oldest preserved statue belongs in the 6th century, most Saint Catherine monastery in Sinai. This does not mean that they are in this writing, these icons are often from urban centers with large painter brought convent. Three sites which have a higher icon painting techniques, from the point of view of painting styles and characteristics should belong to the artist's creation of Constantinople, including the Virgin with Saints West "Christ Almighty," "The Apostle Peter" and "on the throne Otto and George. "These portraits are personalized character face, lively eyes, a natural beard, picture linoleum style, rich colors, these characteristics are typical of Greek art Constantinople painters usually have.
Early icons contents most important is "the Christ Almighty," Christ left with a "gospel", the right shape for the blessing.Christ is such a portrait in the 6th century have been formed in all the Orthodox Byzantine art and played a key role. This image has become a basic one type Orthodox icon of Christ. Although the portrait still preserved many ancient Greece Portrait of ingredients, like a portrait of real people, but already has a statue of the property, which is to pray that the divine nature should have: people look focused, quiet, serene no worldly emotions show. Judging from the painting, smeared painting style on the screen is very clear, having the icon of smooth and precise, light color evenly distributed in the entire picture.
                 

Madonna and Saints Theodore and George on the throne