The artwork titled “The Holy Virgin Blachernitissa (early copy of ‘Theotokos of Blachernae’)” by Orthodox Icons dates back to approximately 650 AD. This encaustic icon, which belongs to the Early Byzantine art movement (circa 330–750), captures the profound religious and artistic traditions of the time. Representing the genre of iconography, it is part of a series venerating the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. The artwork is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork features a solemn depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, both adorned with halos that signify their sanctity. Executed in the encaustic technique, which involves the use of heated beeswax mixed with colored pigments, the piece showcases the early Byzantine style characterized by its spiritual depth and ethereal qualities. The figures are rendered with a sense of divine presence, reinforcing the function of the icon as a medium through which the faithful can experience a connection with the holy figures it portrays. The preservation of rich color and luminescence after centuries speaks to the durability and esteemed craftsmanship of early Byzantine artistry. The texture and the depth of the encaustic method are evident in the tactile quality of the surface, providing a dynamic visual and spiritual experience.
