The artwork titled “Theotokos Hodegetria (back side of Saint George icon)” is attributed to the artist known as “Orthodox Icons” and dates from approximately 1325 to 1375. Executed in tempera on wood, this piece belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance period, which spanned from circa 1261 to 1453. The genre of the artwork is an icon, and it is part of the “Virgin Mary, Mother of God” series. Currently, it is located in the Dormition (Assumption) Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts the Theotokos Hodegetria, or “She Who Shows the Way,” featuring the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The composition is characterized by the traditional Byzantine iconographic style, with a focus on the sacred and timeless representation of the figures. The Virgin Mary is depicted with a solemn expression, gesturing with her right hand towards the Child, who she holds intimately in her left arm. The Christ Child is portrayed in a smaller, proportionate scale, emphasizing his divine nature and the close bond to his mother. The rich, earthy tones and gold accents typical of tempera on wood highlight the divine luminosity, and the intricate detailing of the figures’ garments and halos emphasizes the craftsmanship of the late Byzantine period.
