A Life Devoted to Sacred Art

Ioannis Xanthakis is one of Greece’s most distinguished iconographers, carrying forward a tradition that stretches back over a thousand years. Born and raised in Athens, he dedicated his life to mastering the ancient Byzantine art of icon painting — a discipline that demands not only technical skill, but deep spiritual devotion.

Each icon begins with carefully seasoned wood, prepared with layers of gesso and linen. The figures are drawn by hand, following the canonical proportions of Byzantine iconography. Natural earth pigments, mixed with egg tempera, are applied in thin, luminous layers. Gold leaf — 22 or 24 karat — is applied to halos and backgrounds, giving each icon its characteristic warm radiance.

The Byzantine Tradition

Byzantine iconography is not merely painting — it is theology expressed in form and color. Icons are “written,” not painted, as they are considered windows to the divine. Every element follows strict canonical rules established over centuries by the Orthodox Church.

Xanthakis studied under master iconographers in Athens and Mount Athos, immersing himself in the study of ancient icons and manuscripts. Today, his works are found in private collections, churches, and monasteries across Greece and around the world.

Custom Commissions

Beyond the icons available in our shop, Ioannis accepts a limited number of custom commissions each year. Whether you seek a patron saint icon, a family icon, or a large-scale church commission, each work is undertaken with the same care and devotion as his personal creations.

Request a Custom Icon