#01370 ICON PAINTING

The painting presents a devotional iconographic composition centered on a maternal figure holding an infant. The background is dominated by a dark, nearly black field, which serves to isolate and emphasize the figures within. A golden halo surrounds both the woman and the child, signifying their sanctity and divine status. Above them, a gilded inscription in Greek script identifies them through abbreviated theological titles.
The woman’s attire consists of flowing robes rendered in shades of orange and red, with intricate gold detailing along the edges. Her face is characterized by large, almond-shaped eyes directed downwards in an expression of gentle contemplation or sorrow. The infant, nestled within her arms, gazes outwards with a similar solemnity. He wears a vibrant crimson tunic adorned with golden embroidery, mirroring the richness of his mother’s garments. His left foot protrudes from beneath the folds of fabric, adding a touch of naturalism to the otherwise stylized depiction.
The artist employed a limited palette, relying primarily on red, gold, green, and black. The use of gold is particularly significant; it symbolizes divine light and transcendence, permeating the composition with an aura of spiritual significance. The figures are rendered in a flattened perspective characteristic of Byzantine iconography, eschewing realistic spatial depth in favor of symbolic representation.
Subtly, theres a sense of vulnerability conveyed through the woman’s posture and facial expression. While she embodies maternal strength and protection, her downcast gaze suggests an awareness of future suffering – a common theme within depictions of the Virgin Mary. The infant’s outward gaze, in contrast, hints at his divine mission and destiny. The overall effect is one of profound piety and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers into a space of spiritual reflection.