God's Mother and the Unburnable Rose-bush 1750

This Orthodox icon, "God's Mother and the Unburnable Rose-bush", presents a complex composition that immediately captures the eye with its geometrical arrangement and rich symbolism. The central image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child is framed by concentric shapes that create an impression of sacred geometry. Notice how the artist uses sharp lines and contrasting colors to distinguish between the various layers of the composition, each representing different levels of the divine cosmos. The figures of angels, arranged in a star formation, are interspersed with symbolic elements, all contributing to a complex visual theology. Through this construction, the icon does not merely depict a religious scene but actively constructs a symbolic space where viewers are invited to contemplate divine mysteries. The icon challenges conventional representational norms, engaging us with a complex interplay of signs and symbols that evoke a deeper understanding of faith.