The Virgin of the Passion

The icon The Virgin of the Passion by Andreas Ritzos or one of his followers belongs to the Virgin of the Passion iconographic type. The name indicates the passion and suffering, specifically the sufferings of Christ. The announcement of Christ's birth is symbolically presented as two angels carrying the tools of Christ's suffering and offer them to the baby Jesus in the Virgin Mary’s lap. The icon is made with impeccable technique in the spirit of the Byzantine classicist tradition. With its refined colours and restrained warmth expressed in the touching relationship of mother and child, it is one of the best works attributed to the acclaimed icon painter.