Virgin Mary Glykofilousa – Aged Serigraph – Mount Athos

Description

Serigraph of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa

This image depicts the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa and is an amazing example of the art of the Athonite monks. According to tradition, the original icon of the Virgin Glykofilousa was preserved during the iconoclasm thanks to a woman. Specifically, it was Victoria, the wife of a senator, who had the icon in her home and secretly venerated it despite the prohibition.

During a search by iconoclasts, Victoria took the icon, went to the sea, and there, she venerated it for the last time. Devastated, she threw the icon into the sea, hoping that it would be saved through a miracle. Indeed, the icon did not sink but stood upright and began to float on the waters until it reached the port of the Holy Monastery of Filotheou on Mount Athos.

Serigraph: Features

Serigraphy is a widely used technique in iconography, and it is taught and practiced in many iconography workshops, including those on Mount Athos. In fact, in the icons created with this technique, the monks use traditional methods, meaning that the iconographer paints much of the icon by hand, with minimal involvement of technology. The artificial aging of the icons is also done by hand, adding a collectible value to these works. These are precise replicas of Byzantine art, with a strong appeal of the old. The icon is created with high-quality materials on natural wood, and the painted surface is covered with pure beeswax to preserve it intact and maintain its vibrant colors.

Origin: Mount Athos

Dimensions: 20 x 33.5 x 2 cm