The artwork titled “Virgin Mother of Consolation” is attributed to the collective known as Orthodox Icons and is dated approximately between 1450 and 1500. It is situated within the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance art movement which spanned from circa 1261 to 1453. This work belongs to the genre of religious iconography and forms part of a series dedicated to the Virgin Mary, often referred to as the Mother of God.
The artwork portrays the Virgin Mary in an intimate and contemplative pose, cradling the Christ Child, who is depicted with a mature countenance that is characteristic of Byzantine iconography, symbolizing his divine wisdom. The facial expressions are tender yet solemn, conveying a sense of serene majesty and maternal care. The golden background, a hallmark of Byzantine icons, serves to signify the sacred nature of the figures, elevating them from the mundane to the divine.
Mary is adorned in traditional Byzantine attire, with deep, rich colors and elaborate patterns that signify her royal status as the Queen of Heaven. The folds of her garments are rendered with careful attention to detail, emphasizing the craftsmanship of the artist in creating a sense of depth and texture.
The halo around the head of each figure is marked with decorative details, suggesting a radiant light that symbolizes their holiness. The maphorion, or veil, of the Virgin Mary is depicted with delicacy and is embellished with stars, each one marking her as the Mother of God. The icon’s surface shows signs of age and historical wear, which reflects its veneration and the passage of time since its creation.
Overall, the artwork is a profound testament to the iconographic tradition of the Late Byzantine era and reflects the religious and artistic conventions of its time. It is a devotional piece intended to inspire reverence and contemplation amongst the faithful.
