Virgin of the Passion

The icon is part of the iconostasis of the chapel of Hosios Christodoulos. There are inscriptions on the golden ground (ΜΗΡ ΘΥ) and below the angels (Η ΑΜΟΛΥΝΤΟΣ). On the right is inscribed the elegeion that accompanies this type of the Virgin: Ο ΤΟ ΧΑΙΡΕ ΠΡΙΝ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΝΑΓΝΩ ΜΗΝΥΣΑΣ ΤΑ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΑ ΝΥΝ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΘΟΥΣ ΠΡΟΔΕΙΚΝΥΕΙ ΧΣ ΔΕ ΘΝΗΤΗΝ ΣΑΡΚΑ ΕΝΔΕΔΥΜΕΝΟΣ ΠΟΤΜΟΝ ΔΕΔΟΙΚΩΣ ΔΕΙΛΙΑ ΤΑΥΤΑ ΒΛΕΠΩΝ Next to Christ's head is written ΙΣ ΧΣ and on his nimbus Ο ΩΝ. The Child is sitting on the Virgins left arm. His head is directed towards the archangel who holds the cross, while the other archangel bears the pot with vinegar, lance and sponge; all symbols of the Passion of Christ. Thus, intimidated, he grasps with both hands his mother's right. The painter has exceptionally attributed the symbolic contrast between the peaceful and monumental composition and the gesture that creates the impression of fear and agitation. The prototype of this icon must belong to the second hal of the 15th century, to the painter Andreas Ritzos and our icon is closely related to his art. The deep red maphorion, the greenish tunic of Christ and the colour variations of the garments of the angels Michael and Gabriel are identical to the ones used in icons attributed to him. Moreover, the modelling of the face is technically identical to that of the icon of the Virgin Pantanassa in the Monastery's Treasury, signed by Ritzos.