The Making of the Washing

During the months of April, May, and June, this icon of the Washing of the Disciples’ Feet was created at the Conestoga Iconographic Studio. Since the patron, David, lives in California, he couldn’t visit the studio to see the progress for himself. Instead of that, regular photos were sent to him as the icon progressed.

With the drawing already finished, and the wooden panel made and gessoed, these images begin with the gilding process. Layers of red bole-clay were applied where the gold leaf would be and then polished. After that, two layers of pure gold leaf were laid and burnished in a unique technique developed by the studio. The painting began with a monochromatic undercoat. The eyes of all thirteen figures were painted, then their robes. After this, coats of pure local colour pigments were applied over the whole work, leaving only an impression of the figures. Finally, one by one, Jesus and each of his disciples were painted, and then the icon was completed by its naming.

In celebration of the icon’s completion, these images have been put together into a short video. It is hoped that those interested will enjoy seeing the icon’s development as it is gilded and painted.