De Icoon van de Intocht in Jeruzalem

Abstract

The icon of the Entry into Jerusalem The first images of the Entry into Jerusalem are to be found on the sarcophagi dating back to the fourth and fifth centuries. The most famous sarcophagus is the one of Junius Bassus (fourth century). Christ is straddling on a donkey. Starting from the sixth century Christ is riding sidesaddle. Later on He is depicted looking back at his disciples. The Entry into Jerusalem develops gradually from an essential and elementary composition into a complete story of the Entry, containing many details from the Gospels. The iconography of the Entry is more or less completed in the twelfth century. Later on we only find new details and different accents. The Entry is a very important feast in the Eastern Churches. It is one of the twelve great feasts in the liturgical year. With a few exceptions, the action in the Entry into Jerusalem is depicted from the left to the right of the icons.