12 Contemporary Image of the Mother of God

20th century, probably Italian creation in the Russian Icon style. Symbolized by a pair of stylized lily flowers around head. This has wax stamp from El Bucintoro on the back. Size: 93⁄4”x72/3”

This icon depicts Mary as the Mother of God. The Greek Monogram on the top left is for Mother and the Greek monogram on the top right is for God. The council of Ephesus in 431 promulgated that Mary was the mother of Jesus Christ in both of his natures, human and divine, making her the Theotokos or God-bearer, and thus the Mother of God.
While uncommon to see single icons of the Mother of God without Christ, it is not unheard of. While Christ may not be depicted outright, Mary’s praying hands still point us to Him, as she intercedes for us to Him.