Theotokos of Pochaev 1776

This icon, Theotokos of Pochaev, was made by an unknown artist, likely in the Orthodox tradition, using tempera on panel. This material choice is itself telling. The wooden support provides a rigid surface that has been primed to accept the delicate layers of paint. Tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, dries quickly and creates a matte finish, demanding precision and careful planning. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist built up the forms of Mary and the Christ Child with meticulous brushstrokes, achieving a sense of depth and luminosity. The addition of metal crowns is a later intervention. The use of tempera links this image to a long history of devotional art, crafted with time and dedication. The materials and the skills required to create this icon were not easily accessible, reflecting the cultural and religious significance of the image. It invites us to consider the labour involved, and the faith that inspired its creation.