The image of mother and child in Byzantine and Russian iconography

Abstract

The article explores the image of the Virgin and Child as a central theme in Byzantine and Russian iconography. Timeless and universal significance of this theme in art is emphasized primarily focusing on a detailed analysis of four key miraculous icons of the Mother of God: the Vladimir, Iveron, Donskoy, and Kazan icons. Historical origins, iconographic features, and role in the fate of Russia are examined for each icon. The article traces the profound spiritual connection between such images and national history, highlighting the moments when their intercession, according to believers, saved the country from enemy invasions and internal crises – from Tamerlane's invasion and liberation from the Mongol-Tatar yoke to the Time of Troubles, the Patriotic War of 1812, and the Great Patriotic War. The interaction between state and church is illustrated by examples of the icons transfer for public prayer and symbolic gestures of the Soviet government during the Great Patriotic War. The image of the Mother of God is an enduring symbol of maternal love, hope, and spiritual unity.