Russian Orthodox icons are more than religious paintings; they represent a deep spiritual and artistic tradition. This quiz looks at the unique methods and rich theology behind these sacred images.
You will see questions about specific techniques like levkas, the symbolism of colors, and the famous masterpiece by Andrei Rublev. Some questions check your knowledge of historical events that threatened these artworks.
After completing this quiz, explore our other games. We have great trivia on regional art, ancient painting techniques, and deep symbols in art.
What material serves as the traditional primary base for Russian Orthodox icons?
Papyrus scroll
Papyrus scroll
Stone tablet
Stone tablet
Wood panel
Wood panel
Canvas
Canvas
Which binding medium is traditionally used to mix with pigments in icon painting?
Acrylic paint
Acrylic paint
Oil paint
Oil paint
Egg tempera
Egg tempera
Watercolor
Watercolor
What does the traditional application of gold leaf symbolize in iconography?
The wealth of the patron
The wealth of the patron
Earthly existence
Earthly existence
The artist’s perspective
The artist’s perspective
Divine light and heaven
Divine light and heaven
According to Orthodox teaching, what is the primary purpose of an icon?
They are tools for teaching anatomy
They are tools for teaching anatomy
They are decorative family heirlooms
They are decorative family heirlooms
They are historical records of local politics
They are historical records of local politics
They are windows into the spiritual realm
They are windows into the spiritual realm
What dictates the appearance of figures and symbols in traditional iconography?
The mood of the painter
The mood of the painter
The stylistic canon of the church
The stylistic canon of the church
An artist’s signature
An artist’s signature
The depiction of a specific biblical scene
The depiction of a specific biblical scene
What is the subject matter of Andrei Rublev’s most famous masterpiece, the Trinity icon?
A depiction of the Last Supper
A depiction of the Last Supper
A depiction of the three angels who visited Abraham
A depiction of the three angels who visited Abraham
A portrait of the Three Kings
A portrait of the Three Kings
An illustration of the Trinity as three human figures
An illustration of the Trinity as three human figures
During which century is the Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev believed to have been created?
The 13th century
The 13th century
The 14th century
The 14th century
The 15th century
The 15th century
The 16th century
The 16th century
What is the purpose of “reverse perspective” in icon painting?
To direct the viewer’s focus to a single vanishing point
To direct the viewer’s focus to a single vanishing point
To represent the spiritual perspective of heaven, not human sight
To represent the spiritual perspective of heaven, not human sight
To create a realistic three-dimensional optical illusion
To create a realistic three-dimensional optical illusion
To emphasize the physical distance between the subjects
To emphasize the physical distance between the subjects
How is an icon typically treated by a visitor in an Orthodox church?
To write a personal prayer on the back of the wood panel
To write a personal prayer on the back of the wood panel
To sprinkle holy water directly on the painting
To sprinkle holy water directly on the painting
To kiss the icon to show veneration
To kiss the icon to show veneration
To temporarily hold it during the service
To temporarily hold it during the service
Which historical figure is traditionally considered the first iconographer?
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
St. Luke the Evangelist
St. Luke the Evangelist
St. Seraphim of Sarov
St. Seraphim of Sarov
St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom
Common characteristics of the Russian icon-painting style include:
Strong outlines and stylized, non-realistic features
Strong outlines and stylized, non-realistic features
Realistic, photographic anatomical details
Realistic, photographic anatomical details
Landscapes focused on local scenery
Landscapes focused on local scenery
The use of dark, muddy colors
The use of dark, muddy colors
Why is color-coding significant in the strict rules of icon painting?
Colors indicate that the icon must always be painted on canvas
Colors indicate that the icon must always be painted on canvas
Colors contain no symbolic or theological meaning
Colors contain no symbolic or theological meaning
Colors are used to depict historical figures only
Colors are used to depict historical figures only
Colors carry specific symbolic or theological meanings
Colors carry specific symbolic or theological meanings
Which figure is typically depicted wearing a red tunic and a blue cloak, representing humanity and divinity?
John the Baptist
John the Baptist
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ
The Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary
The Prophet Elijah
The Prophet Elijah
In which year did the Bolshevik Revolution begin, leading to the widespread confiscation and destruction of traditional Russian icons?
1905
1905
1917
1917
1931
1931
1924
1924
What is a ‘pavoloka’ in the construction of a traditional icon?
An extra layer of gold leaf
An extra layer of gold leaf
A cloth layer applied to the wood base
A cloth layer applied to the wood base
A decorative frame carved into the wood
A decorative frame carved into the wood
A specific type of varnish
A specific type of varnish
What is ‘levkas’ in Russian icon painting?
A binding agent made from egg yolk and vinegar
A binding agent made from egg yolk and vinegar
A gesso-like base of glue and chalk
A gesso-like base of glue and chalk
The wooden frame that holds the icon panel together
The wooden frame that holds the icon panel together
A type of mineral pigment used for blue paint
A type of mineral pigment used for blue paint
What is the known background of the artist Andrei Rublev?
He was a court painter in Western Europe
He was a court painter in Western Europe
He was a royal prince of Russia
He was a royal prince of Russia
He was a nomadic traveler who settled in Moscow
He was a nomadic traveler who settled in Moscow
He was a monk in the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra monastery
He was a monk in the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra monastery
Where is Andrei Rublev’s original Trinity icon currently housed?
The Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra
The Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra
St. Petersburg Academy of Arts
St. Petersburg Academy of Arts
The Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum
What is the term for the deliberate destruction of icons or religious imagery?
Aniconism
Aniconism
Iconodulia
Iconodulia
Hesychasm
Hesychasm
Iconoclasm
Iconoclasm
How are figures typically positioned in a Russian Orthodox icon?
They have exaggerated facial features
They have exaggerated facial features
They are turned toward the viewer for interaction
They are turned toward the viewer for interaction
Their eyes are closed
Their eyes are closed
They are depicted with wings
They are depicted with wings
What is a ‘hagiographical icon’?
An icon where the saint’s life scenes surround a central portrait
An icon where the saint’s life scenes surround a central portrait
An illuminated manuscript
An illuminated manuscript
A very large icon designed for the cathedral dome
A very large icon designed for the cathedral dome
A small, portable icon for travel
A small, portable icon for travel
Which ancient painting technique, using pigment mixed with hot wax, predates tempera for icons?
Encaustic painting
Encaustic painting
Fresco painting
Fresco painting
Sumi-e ink wash painting
Sumi-e ink wash painting
Miniature portrait oil painting
Miniature portrait oil painting
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
If you enjoyed learning about these icons, try our quizzes on sacred architecture, read about famous artists, or visit historic places.
