Object ID
2000.15.1
Object Name
Icon
Object Description
A gold framed icon of the Virgin Mary and Child, printed in color. The Virgin Mary is dressed in a blue dress with a red, green, and gold headpiece. Young Jesus is dressed in a pink and gold tunic with a green fabric wrap. They are both wearing colorful pointed crowns and have golden orbs around their heads. On the left side of the two, there is an angel dressed in a brown robe with a blue sash holding a spear and on the right side, there is another angel, dressed in a blue robe with a yellow sash holding a cross. The back of the frame is covered in a pink woven patterned paper that is ripping.
Origin
A Madonna is a representation of Mary, either alone or with her child Jesus. These images are central icons for both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The word is from Old Italian "ma donna" which means (my lady). No image permeates Christian art as the image of the Madonna and child.

While Mary may be referred to as "the Madonna" in other contexts, in art, the term is applied specifically to an artwork in which Mary, with or without the infant Jesus, is the focus, and central figure of the picture. Mary and the infant Jesus may be surrounded by adoring angels or worshiping saints.
Rights and Reproduction
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Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Icon, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10599. Accessed 04/26/24.