The artwork, titled “Virgin Hodegetria (front side),” attributed to Orthodox Icons, dates back to the period between circa 1200 and circa 1300, reflecting the time of the Latin Empire of Constantinople (1204-1261). It belongs to the genre of icon art and is part of the series focusing on the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Currently, this piece is housed in the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, Greece.
The artwork portrays the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The timeworn panel exhibits the classic Byzantine iconographic style, characterized by its solemn, sacred demeanor, and formal frontal presentation. The figures of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are depicted with elongated features and solemn expressions. The background shows signs of significant wear, with layers of paint peeling off, which adds a sense of historical continuity and reverence to the piece. The halos around the figures’ heads denote their sanctity, consistent with the conventional religious iconography of the Byzantine era.