Φῶς οὐ γράφεται — ἐκπέμπεται
Light is not depicted — it emanates. The burnished gold-leaf ground reflects real light, becoming the uncreated divine radiance itself.
Ἐκ σκότους εἰς φῶς
The proplasmos base of raw umber builds the saint's form from primordial shadow — flesh emerging through successive egg-tempera layers into light.
Οὐράνιον κυανοῦν
Lapis lazuli ground fine and bound in egg yolk — pressed into drapery folds on gessoed panel, the color of the firmament made tangible.
Διπλῆ ἀλήθεια
Madder-root crimson robes hold two mysteries at once: the blood of martyrdom and the flesh of the Incarnation, bound forever in tempera.