#01327 ICON PAINTING

The painting presents a frontal composition centered around two figures: a woman and a child. The woman, positioned centrally, is draped in dark robes with crimson edging at the sleeves and hemline. Her head is covered by a dark veil, revealing a face characterized by large eyes and a somber expression. She extends her left hand forward in a gesture of offering or blessing. Beside her sits a young boy, clad in an orange tunic, who holds what appears to be a scroll or small object in his right hand. He gazes directly outward with a calm demeanor.
The background is dominated by a greenish-gold hue, typical of Byzantine iconography. Inscribed above the figures are Greek letters arranged within circular frames – likely abbreviations for religious titles or prayers. The overall palette is restrained, relying on dark tones contrasted against brighter accents in the child’s clothing and the decorative trim.
Here we see an emphasis on solemnity and reverence. The womans posture and expression convey a sense of quiet dignity and maternal protection. The boy’s direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, suggesting innocence and perhaps divine authority. The use of traditional Byzantine iconography – the frontal pose, the stylized features, the gold background – indicates an adherence to established religious conventions.
Subtleties in the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond the immediately apparent. The contrast between the woman’s dark robes and the childs vibrant orange clothing could symbolize a transition or duality – perhaps representing earthly sorrow versus spiritual joy, or human vulnerability alongside divine grace. The scroll held by the boy might allude to knowledge, prophecy, or a sacred text. The aged appearance of the wooden panel itself, with its visible cracks and imperfections, adds a sense of history and veneration, implying that this is an object of considerable age and devotional significance.