Theotokos icon (2)

Orthodox icon of Theotokos and the Child, tempera and gold on wood and canvas, St. Catherine's Monastery Sinai,13 century.

In this icon the Virgin Mary appears with Her hands raised in the act of prayer. She is dressed in a dark robes covered and wrapped in red mantle bordered in gold. The Child is presented in a large gilt medallion surrounded by pearls that recall the maternity of Virgin Mary; His is blessing with one hand while holding a scroll in the other.

The gilt background of the composition is decorated with circular motifs that reflects light and illuminate the scene.in the two upper corners to the side of Virgin Mary's head are the figures of the two Archangels Michael to the left and Gabriel to the right, their heads surrounded by thin red halos decorated with pearls.