The artwork titled “Our Lady of the Sign from Zverin Monastery (front side)” was created by the artist known as Orthodox Icons between circa 1200 and circa 1250. Executed in the medium of tempera on wood, this piece is a notable example of the Novgorod school of icon painting. The artwork measures 73.4 by 64 centimeters and belongs to the genre of icon, specifically part of the “Virgin Mary, Mother of God” series.
The artwork portrays the Virgin Mary, often identified as the Mother of God in Orthodox Christian tradition. She is depicted with a calm and serene expression, holding her hands in a gesture of prayer or blessing. An image of the infant Jesus is depicted within an emblematic circle at the center of her chest, symbolizing the divine presence. Mary’s figure is surrounded by a golden background, signifying holiness and divinity. The detailed rendering and the use of a rich, luminous palette are characteristic of the Novgorod school, showcasing the spiritual and artistic sophistication of the era.
