libterm.com An iconostasis is a decorated wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches. It serves both a liturgical and symbolic function, representing the boundary between the divine and the earthly realms. Discover more about the significance, design, and variations of the iconostasis in the rest of this article.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Iconostasis | Retable |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Screen covered with icons separating nave and sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox churches | Decorative panel or structure behind an altar in Western Christian churches |
| Location | Between nave and sanctuary | Directly behind the altar |
| Material | Wood, often gilded and painted icons | Wood, stone, metal, or a combination |
| Function | Separates sacred space and showcases key religious icons | Enhances altar decoration and communicates religious themes |
| Religious Tradition | Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches | Roman Catholic and Protestant churches |
| Artistic Style | Iconographic, flat, symbolic imagery | Varied, including Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance styles |
| Visual Emphasis | Icons arranged in tiers with theological hierarchy | Central religious scene or figure, often sculpted or painted |
Introduction: Iconostasis and Retable Defined
An iconostasis is a wall of icons and religious paintings that separates the nave from the sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox churches, serving both liturgical and symbolic functions. A retable, commonly found in Western Christian churches, is an ornamental panel or shelf placed behind an altar, often adorned with paintings, sculptures, or reliefs depicting biblical scenes or saints. Both structures play crucial roles in church architecture, enhancing worship spaces through their distinct styles and religious symbolism.
Historical Origins of the Iconostasis
The iconostasis originated in Byzantine churches around the 5th century as a screen adorned with religious icons separating the sanctuary from the nave, serving both liturgical and symbolic functions. Unlike the Western retable, which evolved during the Gothic period as an altar backdrop featuring painted panels or sculptures, the iconostasis developed from the templon, a low barrier with columns and panels. Its historical origins are deeply rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions, reflecting theological emphasis on the mystery of the Eucharist and the veneration of saints through sacred imagery.
The Emergence and Evolution of the Retable
The retable emerged during the Middle Ages as a prominent decorative structure positioned behind an altar, often incorporating painted panels, sculptures, and ornate carvings to depict religious scenes. Its evolution reflects the transition from simple altar decorations to complex multi-tiered artworks that integrate narrative storytelling and devotional imagery, enhancing liturgical settings across Western Europe. Unlike the iconostasis, which functions as a solid, screen-like partition in Eastern Orthodox churches, the retable is typically open and designed to visually engage congregants with vivid, accessible representations of sacred themes.
Liturgical Functions: Comparing Roles in Worship
The iconostasis serves as a sacred screen adorned with icons, separating the sanctuary from the nave and symbolizing the boundary between the divine and human realms in Eastern Orthodox liturgy. In contrast, the retable, typically found in Western churches, functions as an ornamental panel or structure behind the altar, often depicting biblical scenes or saints to enhance congregational focus during worship. While both support liturgical practices, the iconostasis emphasizes spiritual mediation and concealment of sacred mysteries, whereas the retable highlights visual storytelling and altar decoration.
Artistic Styles and Symbolism
Iconostasis features intricately carved wooden panels or painted icons arranged in tiers, embodying Byzantine artistic styles rich in gold leaf and vivid colors symbolizing divine light and sacred hierarchy. Retables, common in Western Christian art, showcase elaborate altarpieces with sculptural reliefs or painted scenes reflecting Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque influences that emphasize narrative and emotional expression. Both serve as focal points in worship spaces, with iconostasis mediating the divine mystery through iconic representation, while retables narrate biblical stories enhancing congregational engagement.
Material and Structural Differences
The iconostasis is typically constructed from wood or metal and features multiple tiers of religious icons arranged vertically, serving as a partition between the nave and sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox churches. In contrast, a retable is often made from wood, stone, or metal and is a decorative altar screen or panel placed directly behind the altar in Western Christian churches. Structurally, the iconostasis is a large, freestanding wall with doors and multiple icon panels, while the retable is usually a single panel or set of panels integrated into the altar's backdrop.
Geographic Spread: East vs West
The iconostasis is predominantly found in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, serving as a screen or wall adorned with icons that separates the nave from the sanctuary, a practice common throughout Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. In contrast, the retable is a feature of Western Christian liturgical traditions, especially in Roman Catholic and Protestant churches across Western Europe and the Americas, functioning as an ornamental backdrop or panel behind the altar often decorated with paintings or sculptures. Geographic spread distinctly divides these two, with the iconostasis rooted in Eastern liturgical art and the retable flourishing in Western ecclesiastical settings.
Influence on Church Architecture
Iconostasis significantly shapes Eastern Orthodox church architecture by serving as a large, often ornately decorated screen that separates the nave from the sanctuary, emphasizing theological symbolism and liturgical function. Retables, prominent in Western Christian architecture, function as decorative altarpieces that enhance visual focus on the altar, often integrating artwork that reflects biblical narratives and saints. Both elements influence spatial perception and sacred ambiance but differ in their placement, artistic styles, and liturgical roles within church design.
Modern Interpretations and Adaptations
Modern interpretations of the iconostasis have evolved to incorporate minimalist designs and contemporary materials while retaining its traditional function as a visual and spiritual barrier within Eastern Orthodox churches. Retables, originally elaborate altarpieces in Western Christian art, have been reimagined with abstract forms and multimedia elements, reflecting current artistic trends and diverse liturgical settings. Both adaptations emphasize symbolic representation and artistic innovation, blending historical significance with modern aesthetics to enhance worship spaces.
Conclusion: Iconostasis and Retable in Contemporary Context
Iconostasis and retable remain significant in contemporary religious architecture, symbolizing distinct theological traditions and aesthetic values. While the iconostasis serves as a spiritual barrier and focal point in Eastern Orthodox churches, the retable functions as a decorative backdrop in Western Christian contexts. Their continued use reflects evolving liturgical practices and cultural heritage preservation.
Iconostasis Infographic
