The artwork titled “Virgin of Tenderness” is an icon attributed to the collective work of Orthodox Icons, estimated to have been created between circa 1450 and 1500. It belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance, a period that spanned approximately from 1261 until 1453. As an art genre, this piece is classified as an icon and is part of a series dedicated to depicting the Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
The artwork is a richly hued icon characterized by the iconic gold background symbolizing the divine light, a common feature in Byzantine religious art. The central figures are the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, which is a traditional depiction in Christian iconography. The Virgin Mary is shown tenderly holding the Christ Child, who reaches up to touch her cheek, an expression of the intimate bond between mother and child, a motif known as the Glykophilousa.
Mary is adorned in a red maphorion, heavily lined with gold, suggesting regal and divine attributes, a nod to her status as the Theotokos, or God-bearer. Her countenance carries the solemnity and grace that typify Byzantine religious figures. The Christ Child is clothed in orange, a color that contrasts with the darker tones of Mary’s garments, drawing attention to his figure. He is depicted with a wisdom beyond his years, which is emblematic of his divine nature.
Surrounding the central figures are scenes and figures that may represent events from the life of Christ or the presence of angels, rendered in smaller scale and with less detail than the main subjects, yet serving as a supporting narrative framework for the piece. Their inclusion in the background emphasizes the central theme of the artwork—the sacred relationship and holy lineage, themes dear to the devotional practices of the time.
The condition of the artwork shows signs of age, as seen by the crackling of the gesso and paint, as well as some losses to the image, especially around the edges, but these do not obscure the profound spiritual significance and skilled artistry of the piece. The wear is testament to the veneration and use this icon has likely received over the centuries. Overall, the artwork stands as a fine example of Late Byzantine iconography, reflecting both the religious devotion and artistic skill of its creators.
