libterm.com An iconostasis is a richly 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 function and a symbolic barrier between the divine and the congregation. Explore the article to discover the history, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance behind this stunning architectural feature.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Iconostasis | Reredos |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A screen or wall adorned with icons, separating the nave from the sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox churches. | An ornamental screen or altarpiece situated behind the altar in Western Christian churches. |
| Origin | Developed in Byzantine tradition, prominent from the 6th century onward. | Rooted in Western medieval church architecture, prominent from the Gothic period. |
| Structure | Usually consists of multiple tiers with rows of painted or mosaic icons. | Often features sculpted panels, paintings, or reliefs depicting religious scenes. |
| Purpose | Separates the sanctuary and sanctifies the altar space; used in liturgical rituals. | Highlights the altar; serves as visual focus during worship and enhances church decoration. |
| Placement | Positioned between nave and sanctuary, spanning the church width. | Located directly behind the altar, typically attached to the wall. |
| Religious Tradition | Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches. | Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches. |
Introduction to Iconostasis and Reredos
Iconostasis is a prominent architectural feature in Eastern Orthodox churches, consisting of a wall of icons and religious paintings that separates the nave from the sanctuary. A reredos, found in Western Christian churches, is an ornamental screen or decoration placed behind the altar, often depicting saints and biblical scenes. Both serve liturgical and aesthetic purposes, but the iconostasis functions as a sacred barrier integral to Orthodox worship, while the reredos enhances the altar's visual focus.
Historical Origins: East vs. West
The iconostasis originated in Eastern Orthodox churches as a screen adorned with icons, separating the nave from the sanctuary and emphasizing liturgical mystery. In contrast, the reredos developed in Western Christian traditions, primarily as an ornamental altarpiece or backdrop behind the altar, often featuring sculptures or paintings. These distinct historical origins reflect divergent theological and artistic emphases between Eastern and Western Christianity.
Architectural Placement in Churches
The iconostasis is a fixed, often ornately decorated screen or wall that separates the sanctuary from the nave in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, typically adorned with rows of icons. In contrast, the reredos is an ornamental screen or backdrop located behind the altar in Western Christian churches, commonly made of wood or stone and featuring religious carvings or paintings. The iconostasis serves a liturgical and symbolic function by physically and visually demarcating sacred space, while the reredos primarily functions as a decorative element enhancing the altar's focal point.
Artistic Styles and Influences
Iconostasis features Byzantine artistic styles characterized by intricate gold leaf icons and religious symbolism, serving as a visual theology in Eastern Orthodox churches. Reredos reflects Gothic and Renaissance influences with elaborate wood or stone carvings, often depicting biblical scenes and saints in Western Christian traditions. Both art forms reveal regional cultural aesthetics and theological priorities through their distinct iconographic and architectural elements.
Liturgical Functions and Symbolism
The iconostasis serves as a liturgical screen adorned with icons, separating the nave from the sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox churches and symbolizing the boundary between the divine and human realms. The reredos, often found in Western Christian churches, is a decorated altarpiece behind the altar that visually represents biblical scenes and saints, reinforcing the focus on the Eucharist and worship. Both structures function to elevate spiritual contemplation and guide the congregation's focus during liturgical ceremonies through distinct symbolic and artistic expressions.
Materials and Construction Techniques
Iconostases are traditionally crafted from wood, often intricately carved and gilded, incorporating painted religious icons arranged in tiers according to Orthodox Christian liturgical requirements. Reredoses, commonly found in Western Christian churches, are constructed using a variety of materials including wood, stone, marble, or metal, featuring sculptural reliefs, paintings, or metalwork that serve as decorative screens behind the altar. Construction techniques differ, with iconostases emphasizing iconographic painting and elaborate wood joinery, while reredoses often involve masonry, stone carving, or mixed media assemblage tailored to Gothic, Baroque, or Renaissance architectural styles.
Iconography and Imagery Differences
The iconostasis features a structured arrangement of icons depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints, emphasizing theological narratives central to Eastern Orthodox worship. In contrast, the reredos often includes carved or painted imagery that highlights biblical scenes and saints in a more Western artistic style, blending sculptural and pictorial elements. Iconostasis imagery follows strict canonical guidelines to convey spiritual truths, whereas reredos imagery allows greater artistic interpretation and variety in representation.
Regional Variations Across Christianity
Iconostasis, primarily found in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, serves as a screen adorned with icons separating the nave from the sanctuary, symbolizing the boundary between the divine and the earthly. In contrast, the reredos is a decorative altar backdrop common in Western Christian traditions, varying widely from intricate wood or stone carvings to painted panels, often depicting biblical scenes or saints. Regional variations include the richly gilded iconostases of Russian Orthodoxy emphasizing theological iconography, while Western reredoses, prominent in Gothic and Renaissance churches across Europe, highlight artistic craftsmanship and scriptural storytelling.
Contemporary Interpretations and Usage
Contemporary interpretations of the iconostasis emphasize its role as a spiritual boundary and visual narrative in Eastern Orthodox worship, often featuring modern artistic styles while maintaining traditional theological themes. Reredos in Western churches have evolved to include diverse materials and artistic expressions, serving both decorative and didactic purposes behind altars. Both elements continue to influence liturgical space design, reflecting cultural and denominational variations in Christian worship practices.
Conclusion: Comparing Sacred Screens
Iconostases serve as intricately decorated, often multi-tiered screens in Eastern Orthodox churches, separating the sanctuary from the nave and displaying rows of sacred icons. Reredoses, common in Western Christianity, function as ornamental altarpieces or backdrops behind the altar, frequently featuring carved statues or painted panels. Both sacred screens emphasize liturgical focus and theological symbolism but differ in form, artistic style, and denominational usage.
Iconostasis Infographic
