Virgin (Theotokos) and Child
Factual Information:
From: no location, panel.
Period: 11th to early 12th century
Period: 11th to early 12th century
General Information:
This icon is of Mary, appearing as the Virgin of Compassion. Mary presses her cheek to the baby Jesus in an intimate portrayal of mother and child. This is uncommon of art in the Byzantine period, which are mostly of otherworldly figures which are portrayed as very holy. This image suggests a growing desire of a more immediate and personal religion. One which they can relate to, and actually believe in. The image itself is thought to protect the people of the city where it resided, which is shown when the picture was taken to Kazan, in an effort to save the city from later Tartar invasions and all of Russia from the Poles in the 17th century. The image is blacked from the incense candles that burned beneath it, and has been repainted many times by inferior artists.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen because of the message it suggests to us, the modern viewers. Its importance it derived from the humanized image it shows, which suggests a major change in the culture or religion of the Byzantine people.