Question by Kevin Y: In Russian Icon paintings what is the purpose of the rizas and oklads?
In Russian Icon paintings metal coverings (called oklads or rizas) were shaped like the figure(s) in the icon with a kind of sculpting (embossing and engraving in relief). These coverings were also made of silver or silvergilt, pearls and jewels.
I was told there was a mythic/supernatural reasons for this as well as practical.
Answers and Views:
Answer by kyten13
An embedded part of the liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Church, they were used as a means of teaching Christianity to a largely illiterate population. They were also seen as being attributed with miraculous events through Divine intervention and as a manifestation of God’s continued love, mercy and power. They were frequently displayed before battles to re-assure soldiers of God’s protection and the righteousness of their cause.
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