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Artwork Page for Icon of the Virgin and Child

Details / Information for Icon of the Virgin and Child

Icon of the Virgin and Child

500s
(Egypt)
wool and dye
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
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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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.
A large tapestry with faded colors that is worn at the top and edges. At the center of the tapestry is the Virgin Mary with a child Christ in her lap, seated on a throne, and flanked by two angels. Above that is a depiction of a man flanked by two angels and surrounding both depictions are smaller portraits of religious figures that frame the edges of the tapestry. All figures are light-skinned.

Icon of the Virgin and Child

500s

Byzantine Empire (Egypt)

See Also

Videos

Enthroned Madonna and Child

Tapestry Weave

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