The title for this composition is derived from the Greek word for prayer, Deisis. At the center is Christ enthroned as “Lord Almighty.” Mary and John the Forerunner intercede on behalf of humanity, beseeching him for mercy. Christ delivers a blessing with his right hand and his left hand holds an open book of Gospels that begins “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden…” (Matthew 11:28). On the upper border above the head of each figure are their names in an abbreviated form. Beginning on the left, Meter Theotokos, the Greek title for Mary, meaning Mother of God. Next is Isus Khristos, the Greek abbreviation used to identify Christ. And lastly, Svyatuiy Ioann Predtecha, the Old Church Slavonic abbreviated name for “Holy John the Forerunner.” Stylistically this icon follows the canons of 16th century iconography. It is therefore a good example of the revival of traditional “old” style iconography that caught on at the beginning of the 20th century due to the improvements in restoration which allowed for the discovery of the brilliance of ancient icons that had been hidden under centuries of old varnish and over-painting.
previous
next