This type of icon is usually called ‘Madre della Conzolazione’, Mother of the Consolation, and perhaps derives from the Byzantine Hodigitria type (though the Child is sitting on the Mother’s right arm). The icon could be from the Cretan-Venetian school. This depiction is very widespread in East and West.
Size: 27 x 31 cm ●
The Christ-child lies in a manger in a cave with the ox and ass behind. Mary lies on a red carpet among the rocks and plants. Three Kings and shepherds are depicted as is the washing of the Christ-child. Joseph is being addressed by a shepherd. Saint Eudoxia, John Lestwitschnik and St Juliana are depicted above. The middle figure is better known as John Climacus.The icon is from the Novgorod school.
Size: 27 x 39 cm ●
This icon, as elegant and precise as the work of a silversmith, clearly shows the influence of western culture at that time. In this depiction, the powerful horse and the external appearance of the black dragon is derived from a work by Paolo Veneziano on the same theme, but the aristocratic severity of the Byzantine example is still evident.
Size: 27 x 34 cm (10.6 x 13.4 inches)
This Eleousa – Our Lady of Tenderness – is a superb example of the Cretan school which combines Italian and Byzantine elements. The face is harmonious by Byzantine standards, with a finely proportioned nose, a narrow mouth and clear eyes with dazzling white. However, the modelling of the face and hands is undisputedly Italian.
Size: 33 x 27 cm (12.9 x 10.6 inches) ●
In this Eleousa icon, the relationship between mother and child is expressed in feelings of mutual intimacy. The child caresses his cheek against the cheek of his mother, gently holding her chin. The Christ Child is sitting on his mother’s right hand. In spite of her little son’s caresses, the Virgin’s expression, filled with foreboding for her son and the agony that awaits him, ranges from melancholic to deeply sorrowful.
Size 24 x 30 cm (9.4 x 11.8 inches) ●
The Virgin Pelagonitissa was originally painted by Makarios Zographos in 1422. Makarios, who belonged to the group of painters of his bishop brother and monumental painter Jovan, shows the Christ Child playfully embracing his mother, while turning at the same time to an admirer or observer. The face of Mary is painted in a very serious style that is typical of the Byzantine tradition.
Size 23.5 x 30 cm (9.3 x 11.8 inches)●
In the centre of the middle panel, Christ Pantocrator is depicted with the symbols of the four evangelists: the Eagle – John, the Angel – Mark, the Bull – Luke and the Lion – Matthew. The three panels to the left depict Mary, the angel Michael and the apostle Peter. To the right are John the Baptist, the angel Gabriel and the apostle Paul.
Seven panels of different sizes. ●
This icon is a quite rare picture of the breastfeeding Virgin. Mary is shown in half-figure, offering her child on her left arm her breast which is unrealistically small.
Size 30 x 26 cm (11.8 x 10.2 inches)●
The suffering Virgin with the Christ Child, with references in the top corners to the crucifixion: the cross with crown of thorns, the lance and the stake with the sponge. In the Western churches this icon is revered as the “Our Lady of everlasting relief”.
Size 35 x 27 cm (13.8 x 10.6 inches) ●
The resurrected Christ is standing in the light flooding down from above, over the abyss of darkness, where the broken doors and hinges are still visible. Christ has liberated from hell the forefathers and Kings of the Old Testament, now standing behind him, as well as Eve. Finally Christ pulls out Adam into the light of mercy. Above, angels soar with the Cross and tools of torture in their hands. The picture is traditional.
Size: 28 x 43 cm ( 11.0 x 16.9 inches) ●