The Dormition of the Virgin 1680 - 1724

Ioannes Mokos created this tempera on wood panel icon, The Dormition of the Virgin, in the early 18th century. This icon depicts the scene of the Virgin Mary's death, a popular subject in Orthodox Christian art, particularly in regions like Greece where Mokos was active. The composition, with its symmetrical arrangement of figures around the Virgin's deathbed, reinforces the divine nature of the event. We see cultural influences of the period in the icon's visual style. The use of gold leaf, for instance, is a traditional element in Byzantine art, symbolizing divine light and heavenly realms. The scene is set against architectural backdrops representing the earthly and heavenly spheres, reflecting the cosmological beliefs prevalent in Orthodox Christian theology. To fully appreciate this work, one must consult theological texts, art historical studies, and accounts of Orthodox religious practices in the 18th century. Such resources help us understand the social role of religious art, revealing its use to reinforce belief, convey doctrine, and connect worshippers to the divine.