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Icon of the Virgin and Child, 500s. Creator: Unknown
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Icon of the Virgin and Child, 500s. Creator: Unknown
Icon of the Virgin and Child, 500s. This tapestry glorifying the Virgin Mary is among the rarest objects in the museums collection. In a composition borrowed from imperial Byzantine art, Mary is shown seated on a jeweled throne with the Christ child and flanked by archangels Michael and Gabriel. Above, Christ appears in a radiant light supported by two angels. Portraits of the apostles, identified in Greek, appear in the surrounding wreath symbolizing eternal life. This portable sacred textile was presumably displayed at the front of a public or private place of worship. This unique tapestry is one of the earliest Christian icons to survive. Woven icons were among the miraculous works shown to pilgrims in Jerusalem according to Abbot Adomnan of Iona (about 624-704) who described a linen cloth " said to have been woven by Saint Mary, and is for this reason preserved in a church and venerated by the whole population. Pictures of the twelve apostles are woven into it, and there is also a portrait of the Lord." The abbots description of the woven icon suggests it must have been similar to the tapestry displayed here. The delicate effects of shading in the facial features, garments, and vegetation were achieved by weaving the panel sideways with at least 20 colours, just as medieval tapestry weavers did centuries later in Europe. The high cost of dyes caused this majestic icon to be far costlier than painted images
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Media ID 19629747
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
6th Century Byzantine Period Wool
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the "Icon of the Virgin and Child" from the 500s, a true rarity in our museum's collection. Created by an unknown artist, this tapestry is a glorious tribute to the Virgin Mary. The composition draws inspiration from imperial Byzantine art, depicting Mary seated on a magnificent jeweled throne with the Christ child by her side. Standing beside them are archangels Michael and Gabriel, while above them, Christ himself appears in radiant light supported by two angels. Surrounding this central scene is a wreath symbolizing eternal life, adorned with portraits of the apostles identified in Greek script. This sacred textile was likely displayed at the forefront of public or private places of worship during its time. What makes this tapestry truly remarkable is that it is one of the earliest surviving Christian icons. Woven icons like these were considered miraculous works shown to pilgrims in Jerusalem according to Abbot Adomnan of Iona. His description aligns closely with what we see here - delicate shading achieved through weaving sideways using over 20 colors. The high cost of dyes used in creating this majestic icon made it far more expensive than painted images during that era. Its historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship make it an invaluable piece within our collection.
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