Icons on metal in Mărginimea Sibiului
Autor: Carmina Maior
During a monographical research in Galeş (Sălişte vilage, Sibiu contry) in Mărginimea Sibiului, we noticed the existance of icons painted on metal sheets. They can be found both at roadside crucifixes situated on the bridges and in the church.
We found few data about such icons in our specific literature. Chronologically they belong to the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. They were very popular in that time because they were easier to be made (the material is cheaper and resistant in time and it doesn’t need a long and complicated preparation).
Both roadside crucifixes and the icons in the church are donations from the peasants. Most of the authors are unknown but the donators are mentioned on each icon, even on those on the altar, thing which helps us dating them. The icons are of different styles and value due to the different painters. Only four icons are painted in orthodox style by Constantin Boghina from Brasov and are dated 1863-1866.
Although not so popular as the icons on glass or wood, thus ignored by the specialists, the icons on metal should be mentioned and appreciated because of their artistic value, spiritual importance and spreading, and because they represent a stage in roumanian religious folk art.