Coptic icon depicting Saint Mark - Egypt/Sudan -Africa - mid 20th century

Coptic icon from the border area between Egypt and Sudan, painted on wood with tempera colors, represents one of the 4 Evangelists, Saint Mark. Period between 1950 and 1960

Measures 24 x 21.5 x 1.4 cm. Weighs 550 gr.

Coptic icons are sacred works that testify to the spirituality and beauty of the Coptic Church. They were born in Coptic and Syrian workshops in the 6th and 7th centuries.

They originated as manifestations of the Byzantine tradition, their style in Coptic art derives partly from Syriac, Byzantine and Sassanid art which in turn had an important influence on Islamic art.

Icons are considered windows to the divine, allowing the faithful to spiritually connect with the sacred figures represented. They are a means of knowing God, the Mother of God and the Saints, and, through the language of colours, shapes and facial expressions, icons teach Christian truths .