Iconographic type
Eleousa (“Tenderness”) — iconographic type
Examples of this type
- Dating
- The type took shape in Byzantium by the 11th–12th centuries
- Origin
- Byzantium
- Author / school
- Unknown
About the icon
The Mother and Child press cheek to cheek: an image of the mutual love of God and humanity and a foreshadowing of the Passion the Mother will mourn.
Composition
The Child on the Virgin's right (less often left) arm embraces her neck; the faces touch.
Symbols
- Three stars on the maphorion — the perpetual virginity of the Theotokos
Inscriptions
An icon is an image for prayer. The description explains theological meaning and prayer tradition; it does not promise an outcome.