A109 

Praise of the Mother of God

The image is often called “The Prophets Foretold You” and is somewhat similar to the Kurkskaya Mother of God.

In the center of the icon, the Mother of God sits on a throne in a pink background encircled with blue clouds. She is pictured in the ancient praying attitude, with the hands raised. Above her, in a white background and circle of blue clouds is Christ Emmanuel, Christ as child. Above him, in a semi-circle of blue clouds is God the Father against a red background.

Mary is surrounded by a gathering of Old Testament prophets holding texts which prefigure her.

On this rich icon, there are saints all around the border. The finely painted faces and the striking colors of the vestments stand out from the aging golden background.