Smolensk Mother of God
Artist
Unknown
Datemid 19th Century
MediumTempera on panel with brass oklad in glass case
Dimensions15 × 13 in. (38.1 × 33 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Evelyn LaLanne
Object number2000.2.33
Label TextThe Smolensk, or "Hodigitria," Icon of the Mother of God, is also referred to as "She who leads the way." It is believed that the icon was first brought to Russia in the 11th century by Anne, the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Constantine, when she travelled to Kievan Rus to marry Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich of Pereiaslavl (making it the first Byzantine icon ever brought to Russia). In the 12th century, the son of Prince Vsevolod I Yaroslavich moved the icon to the town of Smolensk and installed it in the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. The Smolensk Mother of God is characterized by its depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child at her side while pointing to Him as the source of human salvation. For more information about this object and Chapman University's collection of Russian Icons, visit our digital exhibition https://chapmanrussianicons.omeka.net/exhibits/show/thegreaticon/thegreaticon
Status
On viewLocation
- Leatherby Libraries (1 University Drive), Floor 4, 401 Lobby, Wall display case 3
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