The Jerusalem Style in Iconography: Conservation Efforts at the Coptic Church Near the Holy Sepulchre

Introduction

The Jerusalem style of iconography, deeply rooted in the spiritual and artistic traditions of the early Christian communities, has been preserved and passed down through generations. This distinctive style, characterized by its use of gold to symbolize the divine, continues to thrive in the holy city, particularly within the Coptic Church located next to the Holy Sepulchre. This blog explores the rich history of this style and the conservation efforts undertaken by Abouna Theophilos Al-Orshalimi, a Coptic priest dedicated to preserving these sacred images.

Historical Background

The Jerusalem School of iconography, part of this broader effort, has trained generations of iconographers who have left an indelible mark on Christian art in the region.

Icons produced in this tradition are renowned for their symbolic use of gold, which represents the unchanging nature of God’s promises. The technique of golden backgrounds, a hallmark of this style, originated in Jerusalem and was later taught to artists across the city and beyond. This approach emphasizes the belief that icons are not merely images but windows to the divine, connecting the faithful with the heavenly realm.

The Coptic Church and Its Icons

Abouna Theophilos Al-Orshalimi, a dedicated Coptic priest and conservation expert, has been working diligently to preserve the icons of the Coptic Church near the Holy Sepulchre. These icons, some of which date back to the 18th century (according to the Coptic calendar), are masterpieces of the Jerusalem style. They were crafted by artists trained at the Greek Orthodox School in Jerusalem, a significant center for religious art education in the Old City.

One of the remarkable aspects of these icons is their use of gold leaf to create a background that symbolizes the sky, reflecting the divine light. The process begins with the careful application of gold, followed by the depiction of saints and religious scenes according to Orthodox beliefs. Some icons even feature a small hole before the gold is introduced, a unique characteristic of this style.

The Spread of the Jerusalem Style

The Jerusalem style of iconography did not remain confined to the Holy City. It spread to Egypt, where artists like Nicola Theodoros Al-Orshalimi, a prominent figure in this tradition, brought the technique to churches across the country. One of the most famous examples is the Coptic Patriarchate, which was adorned with icons in this style during the time of Pope Theophilos VI.

In Jerusalem, this style is evident not only in the Coptic Church but also in other churches, including Greek Catholic, Melkite Orthodox, and Armenian churches. Notable examples include the Church of Anba Antonios on the 9th Station of the Via Dolorosa and the Mar Girgis Church near Jaffa Gate.

Conservation Efforts

The Coptic Church near the Holy Sepulchre suffered a devastating fire at midnight due to an air conditioning malfunction. The fire caused significant damage to the iconostasis (wooden screen), where the gold-covered wood bubbled due to the intense heat. Abouna Theophilos Al-Orshalimi has been leading the restoration efforts, working meticulously to preserve the icons' integrity while maintaining the traditional techniques used in their creation.

Conclusion

The Jerusalem style of iconography is a testament to the enduring legacy of Christian art in the Holy Land. Through the dedicated efforts of priests like Abouna Theophilos Al-Orshalimi, this sacred tradition continues to be preserved for future generations. The Coptic Church near the Holy Sepulchre stands as a beacon of this rich heritage, its icons a visual representation of faith, history, and divine connection.

References and Further Reading

1. Henri de Mégille, "Discovering the Palestinian Icons of Jerusalem."

2. Raphaëlle Ziadé, L’art des Chrétiens d’Orient, Citadelles & Mazenod, Paris, 2022.

3. Terra Sancta Museum - Link to visit the Terra Sancta Museum

https://www.terrasanctamuseum.org/en/discovering-the-palestinian-icons-of-jerusalem/