Item 9
The Hodigitria Mother of God
Circa 1700
Egg tempera on wood panel
23” x 18”
James and Tatiana Jackson Collection

Here Mary holds her infant son Christ who delivers a blessing to the viewer. She gestures towards Him with Her right hand, hence the title “Hodigitria” roughly translated from the Greek as “Way-Shower” or “Guide” (as in spiritual guide). Executed here in the traditional “old” style, the light blue chiton of the Virgin is covered with a burgundy-purple maphorion decorated with three stars symbolizing Her virginity. The borders and background are decorated with repoussé silver strips (basma). The heads of the Virgin and Christ are encircled with ornate repoussé and chased silver haloes embellished with angels, seraphim and flowers. Suspended from the halo is a similarly decorated silver tsata depicting the Old Testament Trinity. The halo and tsata were probably produced in Yaroslavl. The reverse of the icon bears an image of St. Nicholas.