Icon of the Mother of God by Monika Frys-Żurek

Creating this icon was a process filled with focus and spiritual reflection.
I worked using the traditional egg tempera technique, employing natural mineral pigments and gold leaf, in accordance with the classical principles of iconography. Every stage – from preparing the surface to applying the final layers of light – required precision, patience, and inner calm.

In one of the gallery photos, you can see the pigments I used for this icon — on the brush are Caput Mortuum and Ultramarine, which gave the composition depth and a mystical tone.

The price includes framing costs; this version is on gold leaf. Unframed, the internal dimensions are 19.5 x 19.5 cm, while external dimensions depend on the frame.

The icon is available exclusively by commission.
Each piece is handmade in my studio, staying true to the original model, though – as with any genuine handcrafted work – subtle variations in details may occur. Please note that color display may vary depending on your device settings and may not fully reflect the actual colors of the icon.

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I began the process by transferring the design onto the panel using Italian burnt sienna, which acted as a tracing medium, allowing for precise reproduction of the contours.
Next, I created the synopsis — a pigment drawing — which I refined with pencil to protect the lines from smudging.

Areas intended for gilding were sealed with dark shellac polish applied in five layers — a stage that protects the fragile ground from moisture and damage. As a base for the mineral gold, I used a mixture of golden ochre and titanium white, which gives the gold the proper depth and brilliance. The gold leaf was applied using water-based mixtion, and the entire surface was sealed with a final layer of shellac to protect the gilding from oxidation.

Painting the faces of the figures required exceptional precision.
Natural sienna provided delicacy to the features, while burnt dark umber emphasized contours and modeling. In the highlights, I used diluted golden ochre to introduce subtle lightening, while green umber deepened shadows around the nose, eyes, and mouth. I avoided painting on unprimed white areas to preserve the perception of colors. The result is a natural play of light and harmonious tones.

The garments of the figures were built up with layers of Prussian blue, cobalt blue, and burnt dark umber, allowing for a rich and deep coloration. Fine details were brought out with Caput Mortuum and cadmium red. I then proceeded to gilding on the assist, creating delicate lines of light that emphasize the form and rhythm of the composition.

Color layers were gradually blended using a mixture of golden ochre, green umber, and natural sienna, softening tonal transitions and enhancing the softness of the image. Finally, I applied a glaze — a traditional mixture of egg yolk and wine — which added depth, coherence, and a subtle luminosity to the work.

Final details were executed using titanium white to brighten highlights, and brown ochre to accentuate shadows and give the figures definition.

This icon — built layer by layer — is not only a painting but also a testament to mindfulness and respect for spiritual tradition.
It is a material expression of prayer and focus, as well as a lasting work that, I hope, will bring sacredness and light to its future home.

The icon is available exclusively by commission.
Each piece is handmade in my studio, staying true to the original model, though — as with any genuine handcrafted work — subtle variations in details may occur. Please note that color display may vary depending on your device settings and may not fully reflect the actual colors of the icon.