Greek school of the late 17th century.

Greek school of the late 17th century.
"Triptych with the Virgin and Child."
Tempera on wood.
Measurements: 10 x 33.5 x 3 cm. (open); 10 x 21 cm. x 3cm. (closed).
The Marian theme occupies a privileged place in Greek iconography of the Orthodox tradition. In this triptych, the Virgin and Child preside over the central panel, and appear guarded by three saints in the predella area. On the side panels, two archangels and, respectively, two knights of the faith (a Saint George and, probably, Saint James the Apostle) guard the Maternity. The figures present stylized canons and adopt graceful gestures, silhouetted against a golden background.
Icons are imbued with deep symbolism. The art of icons emerged as part of the artistic expressions of Byzantine culture, developed in the environment of the eastern Mediterranean during the Middle Ages and up to the date of the disappearance of the Empire, 1453. The production of icons beyond the 15th century is known as “post-Byzantine”, a context in which distinctive features involved in the social and cultural histories of the peoples who professed Orthodox Christianity developed. Greek icons are attributable to some recurring themes, and are characterized by common elements, as in this case, representing the Mother of God. These are dedicated to the widespread veneration in the Byzantine world of the Holy Mother of God (Yperaghia Theotòkos). Crete, mainland Greece and the Ionian islands were some of the new artistic centers that emerged after the fall of Constantinople, preserving the Byzantine tradition and sometimes also renewing it.