Our Lady of Burning Bush 1590

Our Lady of the Burning Bush, an icon originating within the Orthodox Christian tradition, visualizes a profound theological concept through the depiction of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. It is important to understand the historical and cultural roots of Orthodox icons, which serve as windows into the divine, connecting viewers with the spiritual realm. The image is based on the Old Testament story of Moses and the burning bush. We see Mary at the center of two intersecting quadrangles, one red and one green, which represents the bush that burned without being consumed. This symbolizes Mary’s virginity that was kept intact after she gave birth to Jesus. The icon is filled with symbolism and layered with meaning, the scenes surrounding the Virgin allude to the prophecies and the history of salvation. While these icons maintain traditional representations, they also offer new narratives of hope and faith to people across different cultures. The burning bush becomes a potent metaphor for spiritual transformation. It is through these artistic practices that the icon provides a space for personal reflection.