The artwork titled “Hodegetria (front side),” created around the year 1350 by Orthodox Icons, belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance art movement, which spanned the period from approximately 1261 to 1453. This piece is part of the genre of icons and is specifically from the series depicting the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Presently, it is housed in the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, Greece.
The Hodegetria icon traditionally shows the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, directing worshippers towards Him as the way to salvation. In this particular artwork, the Virgin Mary is depicted in a solemn and tender manner, with her right hand pointing towards the Christ child, who is seated on her left arm. The Christ child is portrayed holding a scroll, symbolizing His divine wisdom and teaching. The figures are painted with a rich palette dominated by deep browns, golds, and reds, and the background showcases a beautiful patina that reflects the passage of time. The expressions and gestures within the artwork evoke a sense of reverence and spiritual guidance, adhering to the iconographic conventions of the period.
