M. Palumbo (XX) - Madre della Tenerezza

Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness (Eleousa)
A Window onto the Divine
An icon is not merely a decorative object, but a true window onto the divine, an instrument of prayer and contemplation that leads those who behold it toward the spiritual realm. In Catholic and Orthodox tradition, the icon makes present the grace of the subject it depicts, inviting an intimate dialogue with God.
Symbolism and Colors of the Artwork
The Mother of God of Tenderness (Eleousa): The icon depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly embracing the Child Jesus, who rests his cheek against her face and wraps his hand around her neck. This gesture expresses the deep bond, heartfelt love, and compassion between the Mother and the Son of God.
The Sacred Abbreviations: At the top are the Greek abbreviations MP ΘΥ (Mētēr Theou, Mother of God), while at the bottom left is the monogram IC XC (Iēsous Christos, Jesus Christ).
The Stars (the Mapphoria): The veil and shoulders of Mary feature three eight-pointed stars (a symbol of her perpetual virginity: before, during, and after childbirth).
The Colors: The burnt brown of the garment and background represents the earth and the humility of the humanity assumed by Mary; the ivory/white of the mantle symbolizes purity and the light of divine Grace; the gold of the large halo depicts the uncreated light, the glory, and the sovereignty of the Kingdom of God.
Technique and Handcrafted Execution
The artwork was created by the artist on a wooden panel, intentionally left unfinished at the edges to highlight the material quality and authenticity of the support. It faithfully follows the traditional Byzantine painting technique, using egg tempera and natural pigments applied over a ground prepared by hand with chalk and glue.
The Artist’s Training and Blessing
The artist, who comes from Monte Sant'Angelo, earned a certificate in iconography at the historic Abbey of San Giovanni in Pulsano, where the Pulsano monks passed down to him the ancient and comprehensive techniques of Byzantine sacred painting.
The icon was also blessed inside the Sacred Celestial Cave of Saint Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo, a place of worship unique in the world because it was consecrated directly by the Archangel Michael and not by human hands.
(Note: The photograph of the artwork inside the gilded frame is for illustrative purposes only. The icon is made and supplied on a wooden panel