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The Virgin Mary became a significant cult figure after the Church decreed in AD 431 that Christ's human and divine natures were one from the moment of his conception. As Christian images increased thereafter, accusations of idolatry soared and eventually led to the systematic destruction of religious images in this period known as the
Iconoclasm (AD 726-843). This unique 6th-century tapestry is one of very few Christian icons, or holy images of personal devotion, to survive. The images were woven sideways, which enabled the weavers to achieve delicate shading in the facial features and garments. Similar effects occur in Early Christian and Byzantine painting. The use of about 20 shades of color in this tapestry, however, caused it to be far costlier to manufacture than a painted image.
What is an Icon?
"Icon," a Greek word that simply means image, has come more specifically—in art history—to define a sacred image accorded special veneration in orthodox Christian religious practice. Icons—essentially portraits of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or saints—are considered physical embodiments of the sacred personages depicted. As channels through which the faithful can direct their prayers, they anchor the presence of the divine within daily life. This is the origin of the word twentieth century computer users use to describe a graphic symbol that appears on the monitor in a program, option, or window.
Icon of the Virgin
Egypt, Byzantine period, 6th century AD
Slit- and dovetailed-tapestry weave; wool
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1967.144
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