.jpg)
Here is the nearly finished Icon "Flight into Egypt" which I have been working on for a few weeks now. It is egg tempera painted on a large wood panel. This shows the central part of the Icon. The wood panel has not been stained yet.
In this rendition, the allegorical symbolism is clear and forceful. The dove, which represents the Holy Spirit, is being released by the Angel and guides Mary and Joseph into safety in Egypt. It also represents the Light of Hope. The Divine Trinity is represented by the lilies in the lower left corner as well as reflected in the three gold leaf halos. The Holy Family is fleeing from the darkness of Herod into the light and safety of Egypt. The pyramid on the right side reinforces the concept of the Trinity. It also establishes the location.
" 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
13 Now when they had gone, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up! Take the Child and his Mother and flee into Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.'
14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and his mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt."
Matthew 2: 12-14
