Mother of God Peribleptos

Iconography:  Mother of God Peribleptos

Date: XIV century. Late 15th c. Oklad: 15th, 16th century. Moscow, Western Europe.

Iconographic school/art center:  Byzantine school (Constantinople).

Origin: From the collection of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.

Material: Wood, tempera

Setting's material: Chasing, pearls, basma, fabric, gold

Dimensions:  height 71 cm, width 57,5 cm

The image belongs to the iconographic type known as “Hodegetria.” Its features are characteristic of a venerated icon of the Theotokos that was formerly housed in Periblebtos Monastery in Constantinople. The Mother of God is portrayed almost frontally, her head is slightly inclined to the Child Christ whereas her look is directed to the viewers. On her left arm the Mother of God holds the Child Christ, her right hand is outstretched before her bosom and turned towards her son. Christ is depicted seated half-turned to the Mother of God, he looks straight at her; his right hand is blessing whereas his left hand holds a folded scroll. Christ is sitting with his legs crossed. Christ is dressed in a light-gray chiton with petty patterns, belted under his chest, a himation covers only the lower part of his figure.

Above the heads of the Mother of God and Christ are golden crowns decorated with chiseled and stamped patterns and large precious stones and pearls; the Mother of God’s cloth is decorated with pearls; in the center is a clasp with precious stones and pearls.

Registration number 384 ИХО. © The Sergiev Posad State History and Art Museum

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