The Depiction of Saint Mark in Coptic Icons: Between Tradition and Modernity

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a selected group of Coptic icons depicting Saint Mark the Apostle, the founder of Christian preaching in Egypt. It aims to trace the development of his iconography across various historical periods—from rare ancient examples to modern interpretations in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
 The research is grounded in the premise that the Coptic icon is not merely a form of religious art, but also a theological, didactic, and cultural medium that expresses faith and reinforces Coptic identity within the collective consciousness. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the study examines icons preserved in different churches and monasteries, analyzing their visual and symbolic elements in relation to their historical, liturgical, and theological contexts. The corpus includes icons from the Monastery of the Syrians,Saint Menas Church in Fumm al-Khalij, the Monastery of Prince Tadros, as well as modern examples from the Monastery of Saint Bishoy and Saint Menas Cathedral in Mariout. The findings reveal that Coptic icons of Saint Mark have consistently preserved their core symbols over the centuries, while also exhibiting distinct stylistic variations between historical periods.
In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of comprehensive documentation and systematic conservation of Coptic icons to safeguard them from deterioration and preserve their historical and spiritual significance. It further recommends their broader incorporation into ecclesiastical educational programs, thereby fostering deeper appreciation of their theological symbolism and cultural heritage. Additionally, the study advocates encouraging contemporary artists to engage in creative expression that harmoniously blends innovation with the preservation of the theological and symbolic foundations of this venerable art form, ensuring its continuity and evolution for future generations.