DIVUSART Gallery's opinion is that “Contemporary Antique Masterworks” unlike“Reproductions” because they are original works and not copies, realized in the present due to the creative innovations of authors who produce a masterwork which differs from the inspiring model in the material used, the technique or the aesthetic.

All the works are created by hand, just like in the antiquity, without the use of any industrial means, due to which each work, even if part of a series, is unique; it is impossible for two works to be perfectly identical.

Following, some examples are shown.

These two different pieces are directly inspired by the famous encaustic icon of Christ Pantocrator (6th century) from the collection of St. Catherine monastery in Sinai (Egypt).

CONTEMPORARY ANTIQUE MASTERWORK

Sinaitic Icon

By the Byzatine Icon "Reproduction" have been used the same technique as in the original: encaustic painting on wood (wax painting). This technique was used in Byzantine iconography where it continues its dominance until the eighth century. After the iconoclastic period the encaustic technique was gradually replaced by the egg tempera technique and since the tenth century it fell into disuse.

On the other hand, the “Contemporary Sinaitic Icon” has been “written” using tempera on polished gold leaves which is very original due to the combination of the millenary gold polished technique with the “estofado” technique used in the medieval sculpture. The optical effects achieved can't be captured in photographs and it is impossible to imitate them using other creative process than the author’s original technique. Light of the Sinaitic Icons allows the watcher to take part of the work since every movement he might have, creates a different perception of it: some gleams appear and others fade, some colors bright more up and others darken.

Another example of author’s original creativity is the Medieval Agricultural Calendar Series. Using the possibilities of ceramics, the author includes low relief and adds ingenuity to his distinctive work. The masterworks have been inspired by the mural ensemble of the Royal Pantheon of the Colegiata of San Isidoro in León (Spain) dated 1180.

The last example is referred to millenary Fayum Portraits. Reproductions and Contemporary Portraits are made using the same original technique of encaustic painting on wood. Contemporary portraits are created based in photographs of current persons but with the same aesthetic characteristics and technique as the original Fayum portraits (regarding clothing, perspective and so on).