The artwork titled “Virgin of the Sign,” created in 1650, is an iconic piece attributed to the Moscow school of icon painting. This genre of iconography encompasses religious imagery and is part of a series dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. The artwork is currently housed in the Dormition (Assumption) Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork is rendered with remarkable detail and solemnity, characteristic of Orthodox icons of this period. It depicts the Virgin Mary seated on an ornate throne, holding the Christ Child. The Virgin, crowned with a halo, gazes forward with a composed, serene expression. The child, also encircled by a halo, is depicted facing forward, with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing, while his left hand holds a scroll, symbolizing the divine word.
The figures are set against a gold-leaf background, which is a common element in iconography used to signify the heavenly realm. Surrounding the Virgin and Child are two angels, their wings outstretched and their heads bowed in devotion. The intricate border of the artwork is embellished with decorative motifs and may contain inscriptions or religious texts relevant to the icon’s subject.
The adherence to religious symbolism, along with the use of somber color tones and gilded accents, exemplifies the icon’s spiritual purpose and the stylistic tendencies of the Moscow school during this era. The artwork serves as an object of devotion, designed to facilitate prayer and contemplation within the context of the Christian faith.
