Icon of the Virgin and Child Egypt, Byzantine period

Icon of the Virgin and Child

500s

Egypt, Byzantine period

slit-and dovetailed-tapestry weave; wool

Overall: 178.7 x 110.5 cm (70 3/8 x 43 1/2 in.); Mounted: 197.4 x 128.2 x 6.4 cm (77 11/16 x 50 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.)

Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 1967.144

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Did You Know?

Created in Egypt's hot and dry desert climate, this tapestry features a border of lush greenery and fruits, while flowers peek out from around the throne of the Virgin. Imagine encountering this artistic oasis in a Coptic church during the dry heat of the day.

Description

Woven from more than 20 colors of woolen thread, this tapestry was more expensive than a painting when it was made. It is among the rarest works now at the CMA. The historical price reflected contemporary viewers’ appreciation for the weavers’ skilled color blending. Hung on a wall, this tapestry allowed viewers to venerate, or honor, the image of the Virgin Mary and Christ child. Angels and apostles surround them, their names written in Greek. The makers’ talents also contributed to its success as an icon. To be spiritually effective, an Orthodox icon must be as close to its original model as possible.