Mother of God of the Sign (“Znamenie” type), The

Painting

-

Purdue University Galleries

Name/Title

Mother of God of the Sign (“Znamenie” type), The

Entry/Object ID

2005.02.015

Description

Tempera on slightly curved wooden panel bordered in red, black, and brown. The central image shows the Virgin facing forward with arms raised. She is clothed in dark green-black robes with red head veil and gold leaf halo. In the center of her chest within a circular medallion is the Christ child shown from the waist up, also facing forward with one hand raised in blessing gesture. He is clothed in red and tan robes with gold halo.

Type of Painting

Panel

Collection

Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2005.02

Source or Donor

Betsy Scheuring

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

Made/Created

Date made

1875 - 1900

Time Period

19th Century

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Icon

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Symbol, Religious

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Religious Objects

Nomenclature Class

Ceremonial Objects

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Dimensions

Height

7 in

Width

5-13/16 in

Depth

1 in

Exhibition

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

According to legend, the prototype of this icon saved the city of Novgorod from an invasion in 1170CE, when it was brought to the town’s wall and, after being struck by an arrow, shed tears for the city. It was a sign that the Mother of God interceded on the defenders’ behalf. The Virgin appears frontally in an “orant” pose, raising both hands in prayer and displaying the little Christ child in a circle on her breast. He is fully draped, makes a gesture of blessing, and has a crossed halo. The Virgin’s red cloak has a finely embroidered border, as do the cuffs of her dark green tunic. Her gold halo appears against a light brown ground set within a dark brown frame. The formal style of the image reflects its medieval model well.