The Virgin of the Burning Bush 1598

This icon of the Virgin of the Burning Bush, made by Orthodox icon painters, presents a complex theological concept through visual symbolism. The image draws heavily from the Old Testament story of Moses and the burning bush, interpreting it as a prefiguration of the Virgin Mary. This reflects the Orthodox tradition's deep engagement with biblical narratives, reinterpreting them through the lens of Christian theology. The use of specific colors, gestures, and the surrounding angelic figures are all carefully codified to communicate religious meanings to a largely illiterate public. Icons serve as a vital tool for religious instruction and spiritual contemplation within the Orthodox Church. Understanding the historical and theological context of this icon requires research into Orthodox liturgical practices, scriptural interpretations, and the social role of religious images in the Byzantine and post-Byzantine world. Approaching this artwork through the lens of social and institutional history reveals its function as more than just a decorative object, but rather a powerful tool of communication and spiritual formation.