Icon of Saint Eva

Icon Details

Medium: Egg tempera
Dimensions: 40 cm × 30 cm
Style: Ancient Byzantine
Collection: Private Collection

Description

Byzantine icon of Saint Eva holding a fig branch and a serpent, painted in egg tempera on wood. The icon reflects themes of humanity's fall and redemption.

This Byzantine icon depicts Saint Eva, holding a fig branch and a serpent, symbols deeply connected to humanity's fall and redemption in Orthodox tradition. Painted in egg tempera on wood, the icon reflects themes of sin, repentance, and salvation. The icon measures 40 cm in height and 30 cm in width.

Iconography

Saint Eva is portrayed with a serene expression, holding a fig branch in her right hand, symbolizing the Garden of Eden and the covering of sin after the fall. In her left hand, she holds a serpent, representing the temptation that led to humanity's disobedience. The serpent, however, is depicted under control, signifying victory over sin through Christ's redemption. Above her, the hand of God emerges from the heavens, symbolizing divine grace and the promise of salvation.

Symbolism

The fig branch in Saint Eva’s hand symbolizes the fig leaves Adam and Eve used to cover themselves after realizing their nakedness (Genesis 3:7), representing the awareness of sin. The serpent is a direct reference to the temptation in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1), but its subdued appearance in this icon signifies dominion over evil and the hope of redemption. The halo around Saint Eva reflects her transformation from a symbol of the fall to a figure representing the restoration of humanity through faith.

Artistic Technique

This icon was crafted using traditional Byzantine techniques, employing natural mineral pigments and egg tempera on wood. The rich colors and bold outlines highlight the spiritual themes of the icon, while the golden halo symbolizes divine light. The detailed rendering of the serpent and fig branch showcases the artist's skill in combining biblical narrative with spiritual symbolism.

Significance

In Orthodox tradition, the story of Eve is not only a reminder of humanity's fall but also a foreshadowing of redemption through Christ, the New Adam, and the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), the New Eve. This icon of Saint Eva invites reflection on the journey from sin to salvation, encouraging believers to embrace repentance and divine grace. While Eve is traditionally seen as the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20), this icon elevates her story to symbolize hope and restoration.

Creation Process of the Icon

Below, explore the creation process of this sacred icon—from its earliest sketches to the final brushstrokes. Click on an image to enlarge and learn more about each stage of the process.