The Most Holy Theotokos (Panagia Kecharitomene) – Engraved Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph with the Most Holy Theotokos (Panagia Kecharitomene)

In the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, all virtues are gathered. The Virgin Mary is pure and full of virtues. Through the ages, the virtues, gifts, and innumerable miracles of the Theotokos have inspired iconographers to create unique icons of her, filled with symbolism.

The title Kecharitomene (Full of Grace) was given to the Virgin Mary by Archangel Gabriel during the Annunciation. “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women,” the Archangel said to Mary when he visited her to announce the good news that she would bear the Messiah into the world.

Kecharitomene means “full of God’s grace,” filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Virgin Mary is called Kecharitomene because she possessed the fullness of God’s grace.

In the image of the Panagia Kecharitomene, the Theotokos is depicted lovingly holding her Son in her arms. The faces of the two figures are gently touching, and the infant Jesus touches His mother’s face with one hand, as all children do when they seek warmth and security in their mother’s embrace.

Engraved Lithograph: Characteristics

This work is entirely hand-crafted, without machinery, on carved natural wood. It is the work of the iconographer Athanasios, a student of the Athoniad Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to Byzantine art as taught in Mount Athos. His works are covered with pure beeswax to preserve them through time.

In this particular icon, the monk iconographer used the technique of lithography to create a uniquely beautiful piece. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. Furthermore, the artificial aging of the icon is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos attach great importance.

Important Notes:

As the icon is handmade and the woodwork is done entirely by hand, there may be slight variations in the dimensions of each image.
The icon is available upon request.
Origin: Mount Athos