Icon of the Mother of God and Infant Christ (Virgin Eleousa), c. 1425-50. Creator

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Icon of the Mother of God and Infant Christ (Virgin Eleousa), c. 1425-50. Creator

Icon of the Mother of God and Infant Christ (Virgin Eleousa), c. 1425-50. This type of icon is known as the Virgin Eleousa (Virgin of Tenderness) characterized by the touching cheeks of mother and child in a loving moment. The icon signifies Christs incarnation, suffering, and death for the sake of humankind. Three ornamental stars on the Virgins cloak are traditional symbols of her chastity; a blue cap covers her hair and protects her modesty. The child wears a pale green tunic and deep orange cloak, both highlighted in gold. The Christ Child holds a scroll tied with a ribbon, a symbol of the Gospels. The icon was painted by the Cretan icon painter Akotantos, the preeminent artistic personality on Crete during the 1400s. This icon is from his period of greatest activity and pre-dates the collapse of Constantinople in 1453. The treatment of the faces and draperies is handled with fluency and skill and reveals Akotantos to be a painter of great talent. Given its large scale, the icon was intended for use within an orthodox church, possibly a monastery, and not for a private home

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 19634124

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

1450 Attributed To Cretan School Crete Tempera And Gold On Wood Panel

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Animals > Insects > Hemiptera > Green Scale

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cleveland

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the "Icon of the Mother of God and Infant Christ (Virgin Eleousa)" created between 1425-50. Known as the Virgin Eleousa or Virgin of Tenderness, this iconic piece depicts a tender moment between mother and child, symbolizing Christ's incarnation, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The artist behind this masterpiece is Akotantos, a renowned Cretan icon painter during the 15th century. The attention to detail in this artwork is remarkable. The Virgins' cheeks touch lovingly with her divine child, while three ornamental stars on her cloak represent her purity and chastity. Her modesty is protected by a blue cap covering her hair. Meanwhile, the Christ Child dons a pale green tunic and deep orange cloak adorned with gold accents. Akotantos demonstrates his exceptional talent through his skillful treatment of faces and draperies in this large-scale icon intended for use within an Orthodox church or possibly a monastery. This particular print comes from Heritage Art/Heritage Images collection and offers viewers an opportunity to appreciate Akotantos' artistry up close. It serves as a reminder of the profound religious significance associated with icons like these - not just as decorative pieces but as powerful symbols that inspire faith and devotion among believers throughout history.

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