The icon of the Virgin Mary of Tenderness, or Glykophilousa, is one of the most beloved, familiar, and widespread depictions of the Virgin Mary.
It portrays the Madonna who, with great austerity and tenderness, brings her face close to touch that of the infant Jesus Christ, whom she holds tightly in her arms. Jesus touches the Madonna's face with his left hand, while in his right hand he holds a scroll containing the divine law.
15th and 16th-century Cretan painters reproduced this icon in its most popular version: that of Emmanuel Lombardos—a renowned post-Byzantine icon painter who lived in the second half of the 16th century. The original is on display at the Benaki Museum.
This icon is produced in a limited edition by Icono Techniki. The preparation of the wood panel follows a traditional handcrafted process, followed by a highly complex color application technique requiring 50 silk-screen passes to ensure every subtle nuance of color.
Specialized artisans prepare the wood panel, managing every phase from cutting and sanding to the delicate plastering with canvas, the fine polishing of the plaster, and finally the preparation for applying the gold leaf. The edges of the icon are finished by hand to add character, right before proceeding with the 50 silk-screen stages.
The final phase involves treating the wood by hand with pure beeswax from Mount Athos. This step not only protects the wood over time but also gives it a highly elegant appearance.
The icon comes packaged in an elegant gift box featuring a Greek page from the Old Testament.
This icon is available in various types and sizes.
