In this gallery I have chosen different Icons that have been written that depict one or both of the natures of Christ that create the hypostatic union (mean Christ is both human and divine in one person). Most are traditional Icons, though two are paintings that add a unique element to the discussion of the hypostatic union in Christ. The paintings are in contrast to the icons in method as well as in the content and method of depicting the divinity of Christ compared to the rest of the collection.
Christ Crowned with Thorns, Dirk Bouts (follower of), Undated, From the collection of: The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo
This icon of Christ very vividly illustrates His humanity, and is thus a good place to begin. The hypostatic union requires both divinity and humanity. Here, the viewer is giving a depiction of Christ in true suffering and humanity, bleeding and beaten. The anguish and exhaustion depicted through His facial expression also leads to great human suffering, only capable through human flesh. Here, Christ is clearly human and capable of all emotion and pain as the rest of humanity. The colors of the background and Christ's tunic give a stark contrast with the sullenness of His face which illustrates His suffering even further.
Ecce Homo, Unknown, c. 1500, From the collection of: Monastery of St. John the Theologian, Patmos, Greece
This Icon is called "Ecce Homo" which is Latin for "Behold the Man". These is a depiction of the moment Pilate exclaims these words to the protestors after having scourged Christ. The suffering portrayed here is so great and is much more visceral and easily felt by the viewer compared to the last icon. Here the colors are muted and Christ face and hands are contorted from the torture He endured. This is truly a depiction of a man who has suffered greatly, suffering that could not be experienced without humanity.
The Mother of God of Tenderness of the White Lake, Unknow, First half of the 13th century, From the collection of: The State Russian Museum
This Icon, although the focus and title is on the Mother of God, not Icon of Mary is totally focused on her but also on Christ. Here the relationship of Mother and Son is greatly emphasized. The Christ child, though He is smaller than Mary is depicted with almost grown features, not that of an infant. The relationship between Mother and Son is necessary to prove the humanity of Christ, in that He was born of a woman. This Icon has two angles in the top corners which also alludes to His divinity, though here His humanity is empathized through His relationship to His mother.
The Mother of God Hodigitria, Dionysius and Workshop, Circa 1502-1503 - Circa 1502-1503, From the collection of: The State Russian Museum
This Icon is entitled "The Mother of God". It is a depiction of Mary and Jesus, which illustrates His humanity, while also claiming His divinity. Mary's motherhood of Christ is emphasized in their relative sizes while Christ's divinity is empathized through the magnificence of His clothing and halo. Mary's clothing is very dark while Christ's is very bright which harkens to the Transfiguration when He was "clothed in glory". It seems that the clothed in glory here is meant to illustrate His divinity, possibly.
The Naming of Jesus / Circumcision, Unknown, ca.1633, From the collection of: Museu de São Roque
In contrast to most of the pieces in this collection, here is a painting. This painting illustrates the hypostatic union of Christ not in His clothing or even specifically His relation to His mother but in the actions of others. This is the Naming of Christ and His circumcision. Circumcision is a human sign of humanity's covenant with God. As a man, this is a moment Christ joined with the rest of humanity in their covenant of faithfulness to God. All the while, the Angles of Heaven declare Christ's Divine Name, or responsibility. "IHS" in the banner the angels hold is Latin for "Iesus Hominum Salvator" meaning "Jesus, Savior of Men". This is what God came to earth to accomplish and is Christ' divine mission. The difference in brightness and color in both dimensions also leads to this conclusion. The angels are very bright and gold like being clothed in glory while the people are in very muted colors, aside from Mary and the priest, which depicts their important roles in the moment.
Attached is a video that depicts a similar icon, The Baptism of Christ. In His Baptism Christ joins humanity while purfying the waters fo baptism and taking on the sin of man. It is paired with this paiting because it is an icon that depicts an action that illustrates to the viewer the hypostatic union of Christ.
The Holy Trinity, Unknown, circa 1750, From the collection of: Museum of Russian Icons
This Icon specifically depicts the Divinity of Christ in His equal relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, who are also depicted here. The color has worn over the age. There are many symbolic items in the icon that allude to the humanity and divinity of Christ. Both Christ and the Father have their hand on an orb, which symbolizes their power and authority as King. Christ is also holding a Bible. This is a symbol of Him as the Word who has been for eternity as well as the human story of Christ. It in itself is a symbol of the hypostatic union.
Trinity of the Old Testament, Unknown, 1500/1550, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts of Tatarstan
This icon is possibly one of the most popular Icons of the Trinity. It depicts three men at table. It is called "Trinity of the Old Testament" and shows that although never defined or expressly mentioned the Trinity has been the cause of all since the beginning. Here each figure is significant as well as their surroundings. One stylistic element to notice is that each man's face is identical to the others. This is to show the oneness of God while being three persons. Christ, while being God is also human in his unique person of the Trinity. Christ is depicted with the tree of life behind him. This is a symbol of humanity while also symbolizing the method through which He would suffer as a human and accomplish his divine mission of saving mankind, "Jesus, Savior of Mankind".
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
