Mother of Hodegetria, Greek, circa 1750, size 22 x 16.5 cm. The term “Hodegetria” is Greek and translates to “One who Shows the Way”. The Virgin is shown presenting Christ to the viewer and Mary’s fingers, unnaturally elongated, point to Christ as “The Way”. Although the Virgin is the largest subject, the principal person in the icon is, of course, Christ who is shown as a miniature adult philosopher. It is typical that the Virgin is never shown in any icon without Christ also being present. She is “only” revered as the “Theotokos”, the One who Bore God. This iconographic version is one of the most ancient, though the name itself “Hodigitria” is mentioned in the sources as late as the 1X century. There are different speculations as to the origin of the Hodigitria iconography. The legend has it, that the icon was painted by St.Luke, the Evangelist and brought from the Holy Land by Eudoxie,the spouse of Emperor Theodosius in the middle of the V century.Then, some sources assert that the Icon was placed in the Church of Blachernae, while others mention the monastery of Hodigon. This icon “Hodigitria” is said to owe its name to the monastery .N.P.Kondakov thinks that this iconographic version was born either in Palestine or in Egypt before the V1 century and during the V1 century was widespread across Orthodox Christian Orient and in Byzantium. Other versions suggest the image of the Virgin Hodigitria might have been part of the composition “Adoration of the Magi”, widespread in the early Christian art. Initially the Mother of God could have been painted full-length, either standing or sitting. Provenance: private collection Germany. The authenticity of every icon is guaranteed. Every icon is sold with extensive written expertise.

Original condition with wear, losses and damages. Feel free and do not hesitate to ask any questions about the desired icon. Email mr.milatz@planet.nl or call 0031-(0)6-54290