The artwork titled “Theotokos of the Sign (early Copy of the Novgorod Theotokos of the Sign)” was created by an unknown artist associated with the Orthodox Icons around the year 1200. This piece belongs to the Novgorod school of icon painting and falls under the genre of iconography. It is part of the series dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
The artwork features a depiction of the Virgin Mary, with hands uplifted in the traditional orans gesture of prayer. Enclosed within a circular medallion on her chest is the Christ Child, a classic element in the iconography of the “Theotokos of the Sign.” The background and the halos around the figures are richly adorned with gold, which remains consistent with the traditional techniques used in Byzantine and Orthodox icon painting. The hues and overall style reflect the intricate and revered practices of the Novgorod school, emphasizing reverence and spiritual significance in the portrayal of these sacred figures.