The artwork, titled “Mother of God, Helping the Kinship,” was created by “Orthodox Icons” around circa 1750. This piece, rendered in tempera on wood, falls within the genre of iconography and is part of the “Virgin Mary, Mother of God” series. The representation encapsulates the spiritual and historical significance typically embodied in Orthodox Christian icons.
In the artwork, the Virgin Mary is depicted with a solemn yet compassionate expression, embracing a cloth that gently cradles the infant Jesus. The background is imbued with soft golden hues, symbolizing divinity and holiness, typical of traditional Orthodox iconographic style. The Virgin’s garments are vibrantly colored, with a deep red tunic and a contrasting blue mantle, accentuating her regal and maternal presence. Above her head are inscriptions in Cyrillic script, further emphasizing the sacred nature of the icon. The edges of the artwork are bordered with a simple yet striking frame, delineating the sacred scene from its worldly surroundings. The cracked surface and patina of the tempera indicate the passage of time, adding to the venerable aura of this sacred depiction.
