Iconography and Sacred Art

EWTN has a series on now about icons called Sacred Craft. Anyone watching?

I have a question for this knowledgeable group of folks
Intersecting cross roads on my readings and book collecting on Catholic Christian history these past two years have brought me back to Sacred Art Work
Can anyone recommend a good book or books I'm obviously interested in the oldest writings on Sacred Art Work from Antiquity not the infamous pre and post renaissance periods.
I thank you

Nevermind, I just found an explanation for the picture. In case anyone was wondering:

From c.1740, the classic representation was to be found in the northern side chapel of Il Gésu in Rome, in the famous and extremely often copied painting of Pompeo Batoni, with Christ offering and showing His heart to the spectator. http://www.enid.uib.no/texts/achen_1.htm

Oh, and sorry for being rude and not introducing myself

Well, I suppose if anyone would be interested...

My name is sabrina, and I'm praying about whether sacred art is a possible vocation for me... Taking up art again since I abandoned it a few years ago after realizing that it's something I can offer God!

Please utter a wee little prayer for me upon reading this post Thank you!

I'm beating my head over who painted this most beautiful picture of Jesus with His Sacred Heart: http://vultus.stblogs.org/sacrocuore.jpg

Does anyone know?! I want to find out what others the artist created...

Hi Vikk,
Thank you for sharing alittle about yourself. Thats really neat that you were learning how to do these things. I think you probably still have the abillity. You know the saying, once you've learned how to ride a bike, you never forget,
I'm just now learning to appriciate art. So maybe you can help me in finding some good sites to look at. God bless you .

James

I'm delighted to find this group. I've loved sacred art all my life and been inspired by the works of Michaelangelo from an early age. I developed a rather sudden interest in iconography a number of years ago and found a local Greek Byzantine iconographer who agreed to teach me the ancient way of writing icons. It was exciting to work with her. (I'll include a link to an article I wrote that described my experience.)

Not long after I began I had to take on the responsibility of being the primary caregiver for both my 90+ year old parents and lost my ability to continue lessons. I hope it's not gone forever. But I still enjoy viewing the icons and gazing through those windows into Heaven. I look forward to learning and reading of your experiences and interests.

Here's the link. (The icon is the one I painted with my teacher.)

http://heavenlyart.net//writingingold.html

hello all,
I'm James. I am glad to find this group. I have come to find that Sacred art and iconography really helps to open your mind and heart to scripture and the saints.
It also opens the mind and soul to God and all thats Holy.
Y'all have a wonderful weekend and a blessed sabbath.
God bless........

James

I was pleased to see an icon for sale in the St. Leo Abbey bookstore. I think it was made in Russia.

Interesting, Teresa. I would like to see it, must be beautiful! I also find odd that her head wasn't covered, but it could be from the 'transition' time between customs, maybe?
Btw, I'm including a link to a story on Mary as the living tabernacle with an Orthodox icon of the Platytera - whose 'womb is more spacious that the Heavens':

http://tinyurl.com/yk9ax3v

Merry Christmas season to all!