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| THE VIRGIN PLATYTERA (ORANS) 12th century 194 x 120. Egg tempera on lime wood. From the Monastery of the Savior in Yaroslavl. Tretyakov Gallery, Russia. #1296 159k, jpeg. The Image of the Virgin Orans bearing the medallion with the representation of the Child in her bossom, which is called Platytera (Greek for incarnation) was widespread in various kinds of visual arts in Byzantium and Old Rus': in monumental and icon painting as well as in sculpture. Mary with her hands spread and raised to the level of her head was treated as the Mother of God in prayer. The medallion in her bossom featuring the image of Christ Emmanuel symbolized the immaculate conception and divine nature of Christ. The origin of the icon is associated with the name of legendary Kyiv icon painter, Alipy (Olimpy), a monk of the Kyiv-Pechersk monastery who was later canonized. The icon belongs to a small number of works painted with egg tempera which are very close to Kyiv mosaics in the artistic devices used. It is marked by a strict silhouette, fine and decisive line, and shows the artist's propensity for gold highlights on garments which lend the image some mystic quality. The Virgin Platytera is a masterpiece of icon painting dating from Kyivan Rus'. http://www.christusrex.org/www1/lviv/Gallery/Room1.html#1 |