Further reading
On Coptipedia, the Coptic encyclopedia (in French)
Certificate of authenticity
Delivered with your artwork
Your hand-painted icon comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Armia Elkatcha. It identifies your artwork, its dimensions, its number and its completion date.
- Artist
- Armia Elkatcha
- Artwork
- The Souls of the Martyrs Beneath the Altar
- Dimensions
- 90 × 130 cm
- Certificate number
- Assigned to your completed artwork
- Completion date
- Recorded upon completion
Armia Elkatcha’s signature
Signed by the artist on the certificate delivered with the artwork
Apostles, martyrs and saints
The Souls of the Martyrs Beneath the Altar
Unique and personalised icon by Armia Elkatcha Size of your choice. Please note: the smaller the icon, the less detail the artist can include. The photo shows the XL size
Hand-painted on request · Delivered in 2 to 4 months · Free delivery
“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God.” Christ, arms open, stands above the heavenly altar; beneath it, the crowd of martyrs, palms in hand, awaits the promised glory.
References: Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 7:9-17; Revelation 2:10.
The Coptic Church, called the “Church of the Martyrs”, counts its years from the Era of the Martyrs (284) and places relics in its altars.
Studio journal
From preparing the support to the final details: the usual stages of a hand-painted icon.
Prepare the wood
The wooden support is prepared to receive the drawing, gold leaf and paint.
Draw the composition
The scene, figures and symbols are arranged according to the chosen representation and size.
Apply the gold leaf
Gilding brings light to the background and halos, in the tradition of the Coptic icon.
Paint the icon
Colours, garments and faces are painted by hand. The level of detail is adapted to the size of the artwork.
Finish and authenticate
The final details and finishing touches are completed. The artist signs the certificate bearing the artwork’s number and date.


