Orthodox icon | Praise of the Mother of God | Bronze | 24657

Orthodox icon | Praise of the Mother of God | Bronze | 24657.

This icon is made of bronze, brass, or yellow metal, adorned with dark blue enamel. It represents the top portion of a wing from a Tetraptych.

The icon portrays the Mother of God seated on a throne. Her body is slightly turned, her head is bowed, and she extends her right hand in a gesture of greeting. Surrounding her are 12 apostles and kings, all facing towards her. Positioned on the left and right sides of the throne are King David and King Solomon.

The prophets depicted in the icon hold open scrolls in their hands, which contain references to prophecies such as “I have seen the burning bush,” “What I have heard, I see,” “I am…,” “Rejoice greatly, O Zion,” “Here is the pregnant virgin,” and “Rejoice in…”.

Behind the figures, an intricate network of tendrils unfolds, revealing a medallion featuring the image of Christ Emmanuel, the pre-existent logos, positioned above the Mother of God. In some versions, the icon also incorporates the root of Jesse, symbolized by a tendril growing from Jesse lying on the ground.

Source: Orthodox icon | Praise of the Mother of God | Bronze | 24657 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de