Orthodox "iconography" is unique in the art of Christian worship patterns

Orthodox "iconography" is unique in the art of Christian worship patterns, and Catholic and Protestant religious art differently. It is called "visual theology." Russian medieval icon painting is synonymous with the art of the Orthodox Church norms According to tradition the church Byzantine art, in an ideal form of figures and objects appearance or to limit the icon painter painting forms and themes, and a living icon painter Convention required strict compliance with the purpose of creating.
"Iconography" emphasize the other side depicts a non-earthly world, and this side of the world is relatively secular. So whether it is painting or the artist themselves to practice requirements are strict control, because it is "like the soul", not with screen similar to the real world. as long as prayers saw his familiar objects and portraits of worship, this set of modeling, the dogma of the supernatural will come to the fore in his mind as to generate strong religious feeling in his heart. So ultra nature art standardization helps to develop a certain prayer worship habits.
Early Russian icon painter painting together under the supervision of the Greek artist, in text or illustration of the way to record the characteristics of each saint and painting, the notes by way of mentoring taught from generation to generation, and with Greece priests have brought along when entering the Russian painter indoctrinated mission, to show the magnificent Byzantine icons and composition perfect again to Justinian era statue of St. Sofia church benchmark.
However, with the decline of Byzantium, stopped on the "spiritual inspiration" and the technical guidance of Russia, appeared in Russia each draw icon nature of the convent or icon studio in the transcript as textbooks or reference books, it is well-known on the icon extension rubbing down and facsimile diagram, guides artist (monk) follows the old mode, simply scripted without tiring way to go around the church and convent observe each artist hand are equipped with a number of icon painting from wood or rubbing down the wall pictures, these extension illustrated diagram like saints calendar, in order to allow convenient copying process, there must be next to the text commentary.