One of the most ancient of icon images, the Virgin Hodegetria—“She who points the way”—depicts Mary holding Jesus at her side while gesturing towards him as the Savior. In this version, Christ looks at his mother instead of outward and appears to be blessing her, emphasizing the intimacy both of mother and child and of Redeemer and those he has come to redeem.

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Tempera and gold leaf on wood; 18”x24”; 2018. Private collection, London.

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