Holy Icon

Theotokos the Mighty Protector, Athens, egg tempera on wooden board, 2005.

A characteristic example of what we call “the postmodern synthesis.” The Theotokos is depicted frontally, statically, being serious, strict and traditional. In contrast to her, Christ is in motion, having the naiveté of an infant while smiling and addressing His mother. This has been painted in a very impressionist, modern manner. We have two distinct aesthetical conceptions on the same icon. In any other icon of Theotokos Odigitria (“she who guides”), the Theotokos’ hand is pointing at Christ in a strict manner, but here we have a hand which not only wants to point at Christ, but also desires to stroke Him tenderly. Icon owned by Demetrios Kyriatzis.