Coptic art

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Christ and Saint Mina. A 6th-century Coptic icon from Egypt (Musée du Louvre)

Coptic art has an organic link with Egyptian Coptic theology. The growth of this art finds its basis in eastern church theology through the work of many eminent artists. Historically wall-paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and metalwork have been very important in Coptic art; fortunately many early examples survive in monasteries and churches, as well as major museums around the world. Coptic art in this period is often less sophisticated than Byzantine art, but can be more intense.

Coptic textiles have attracted much academic interest, partly because of the skill they show and partly because more of them survive than from any other culture in the first millenium (except perhaps from China) because of the dry conditions of graves and other archaeological sites in Egypt.

In recent centuries icons have been the main means of expression, keeping most aspects of the earlier tradition. Coptic icons represent religious truth and beauty and are not concerned with realism, the depiction of depth or perspective. As in the Byzantine and related traditions, the figures are depicted frontally, looking straight at the viewer.

Coptic icons have their origin in the Hellenistic art of Egyptian Late Antiquity, as exemplified by the Fayum mummy portraits. Beginning in the 4th century, churches painted their walls and made icons to reflect an authentic expression of their faith.

Today, Coptic icons are found not only in churches, but at homes and praying altars. They may also be purchased from Coptic gift shops throughout Egypt.

Nativity fresco 10th or 11th century, Farras, Sudan	old icon of an Archangel	Modern icon of Saint Anthony the Great	Modern icon of Saint Demiana
Coptic icon of Saint Maurice	Coptic icon of Saint Mina	Coptic icon of Saint Pishoy	Coptic icon of Saint Verena