“Since we have not physically seen the true God yet, ...”
Yes, we have seen Him - Jesus. Once he was incarnated we are allowed to represent his likeness because he showed us how he looks. The Shroud of Turin, and the mandylion are true representatives of Christ’s face and the early orthodox icons were modeled on the shroud.
The word icon in Greek for image is the word for an image such as seen in a mirror - the image is a version of reality.
..you..are...kidding..