Hodegitria 1350

"Hodegitria" is a 14th-century Orthodox icon housed in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Moscow, Russia. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, who is pointing towards the viewer with his right hand, a gesture of blessing. This icon is a prime example of the Hodegetria type, which is a significant type of iconography in Orthodox tradition. The Virgin Mary is depicted as a guide, leading the viewer to Christ, the source of salvation. The icon's vivid colors, symbolic gestures, and intricate details are characteristic of Byzantine art, reflecting the spiritual and devotional significance of the icon for Orthodox Christians. The icon's aged appearance and the evidence of damage and restoration work over time further add to its historical and artistic value.