Virgin Mary Vrefokratousa – Child Holding Silk Screen Icon – Gold Frame, Engraved Wood

Description

The icon of the Virgin Mary Vrefokratousa, or Virgin Mary Child Holding, depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus in her arms. The style of the icons follows the structure of the Virgin Mary Hodigitria, icons which depict the Theotokos holding Jesus in her arms, and pointing toward Him. The infant Jesus is holding his right hand up in blessing, holding up three fingers which further signify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Above Him are the letters ‘IC XC’, which mean Jesus Christ in Greek. 

The Virgin Mary is leaning her head toward the infant Jesus, guiding the viewer to follow in Christianity and find salvation in Him. Two angels are depicted, one in each of the upper corners of the icon, placing a crown atop the head of the Theotokos. The crown signifies that she is the Queen Mother to the King of Kings (Jesus Christ). As with other depictions of the Virgin Mary, she is seen wearing a deep red cloak, symbolizing love, life, and sacrifice. The letters seen above her – ‘ΜΡ ΘΥ’ – are in reference to the Theotokos and mean Mother of God in Greek. 

According to tradition the icon was originally painted by Emmanuel Tzanel, a well-known hagiographer in the 17th century. It was housed in Corfu at the Holy Monastery of Hypapanti.