M. Palumbo (XX) - Madre della Tenerezza

Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness (Eleousa)
A Window on the Divine
The icon is not a mere decorative object, but a true window onto the divine, a tool of prayer and contemplation that leads the observer toward the spiritual dimension. In Catholic and Orthodox tradition, the icon makes present the grace of the depicted subject, inviting intimate dialogue with God.
Symbolism and Colors of the Work
The Mother of God of Tenderness (Eleousa): The icon depicts the Virgin Mary receiving with infinite sweetness the Child Jesus, who rests His cheek on her face and wraps His arm around her neck. This gesture expresses the deep bond, visceral love, and compassion between the Mother and the Son of God.
The Sacred Symbols: At the top appear the Greek abbreviations MP ΘΥ (Mētēr Theou, Mother of God), while at the bottom left sits the monogram IC XC (Iēsous Christos, Jesus Christ).
The Stars (I Mapphoria): On Mary’s veil and shoulders there are the three eight-pointed stars (symbol of her perpetual virginity: before, during, and after childbirth).
The Colors: The burnt brown of the robe and background represents the earth and the humility of humanity assumed by Mary; the ivory/white of the cloak symbolizes purity and the light of divine Grace; the gold of the large aureole depicts the uncreated light, glory, and kingship of the Kingdom of God.
Technique and Craftsmanship
The work was executed by the author on a wooden panel deliberately left raw at the edges to emphasize the materiality and authenticity of the support. It faithfully follows the traditional Byzantine painting technique with egg tempera and natural pigments, applied on a handmade gesso and glue prepared background.
Author’s Formation and Blessing
The author, an artist from Monte Sant’Angelo, earned a certificate as iconographer at the historic Abbey of San Giovanni in Pulsano, where the Pulsanese monks passed down to him the ancient and exhaustive techniques of sacred Byzantine painting.
The icon was also blessed inside the Sacred Celestial Grotto of Saint Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant’Angelo, a place of worship unique in the world because it is consecrated directly by the Archangel Michael and not by human hand.
(Note: The photograph of the work inside the gilded frame is for illustrative purposes only. The icon is made and supplied on a wooden panel)