In Golden Light: Orthodox Icons from Annunciation to Ascension

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18th Century Russian School, "Christ Pantocrator,"

tempera, metal leaf, 48 x 37.5 x 3.5 cm. Gift of Dr. John foreman, 2002. Malcove Collection, M2002.010 Courtesy Art Museum University of Toronto.

“If only, some say, we could do without any image. How so much better, purer, faster our access to God, to Nature, to Truth, to Science could be.” To which other voices (or sometimes the same) answer: “Alas (or fortunately), we cannot do without images, intermediaries, mediators of all shapes and forms, because this is the only way to access God, Nature, Truth and Science.”

-Bruno Latour, Iconoclash (2002)

This special exhibition, In Golden Light, features a selection of painted Christian icons that date from the 17th to the 19th centuries, with origins in Greece, Serbia and Russia. Often seen as windows to Heaven or pathways to the sacred, these icons served as objects for private worship and devotion. Tracing events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, the selection of works in this exhibition provide religious instruction and are physical manifestations of Biblical teachings. On loan to the AGA from the University of Toronto, this rich exhibition marks the debut of the Malcove Collection in Edmonton.

Organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Art Museum at the University of Toronto.

The Art Gallery of Alberta would like to acknowledge Barbara Fischer, Heather Pigat and Sasha Gorjeltchan from the Art Museum at the University of Toronto and Catherine Crowston, Leonore-Namkha Beschi, Elisabeth Hill and Danielle Siemens at the AGA for their contributions to the research and realization of this exhibition.