Theotokos Pregnant – Engraved Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph of the Theotokos Pregnant

The Theotokos Pregnant is one of the rarest iconographic themes, although it has been known in Byzantine art since the 11th century. During that period, the model of the Theotokos Blachernitissa prevailed in Byzantine iconography. In this image, Jesus is depicted in a medallion on the chest of the Theotokos to show the Divine Word who is in her womb.

The depiction of the Theotokos Pregnant in icons is rare. Although the Church places great importance on motherhood through its feasts (the celebration of the Conception of Saint Anne and the Forerunner, the Nativity of the Theotokos, and the Nativity of John the Baptist) and despite its thematic association with the Akathist Hymn, the Theotokos Pregnant, as a model, is not particularly widespread in iconographic art.

The image shows the Theotokos in a state of pregnancy. The Theotokos Pregnant is the patron saint of childless couples and pregnant women. The Church honors this title of the Theotokos on September 25, exactly six months after the Annunciation of the Theotokos and three months before Christmas.

Engraved Lithograph: Features

The work is entirely hand-crafted, without the use of machines, on engraved natural wood. It is the work of the iconographer Athanasios, a student of the Athoniada Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to Byzantine art as he was taught at Mount Athos. His works are covered with pure beeswax to preserve them over time.

In this particular image, the monk iconographer used the lithograph technique to create a uniquely beautiful piece. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as he was taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. In fact, the artificial aging of the icon is done by hand, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos give special importance.

Since the image is handmade and the wood processing is done entirely by hand, there may be slight variations in the dimensions of each image.

The image is available upon order.

Origin: Mount Athos