An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Icon of the Virgin and Child500s
Woven from more than 20 colors of woolen thread, this tapestry was more expensive than a painting when it was made. It is among the rarest works now at the CMA. The historical price reflected contemporary viewers’ appreciation for the weavers’ skilled color blending. Hung on a wall, this tapestry allowed viewers to venerate, or honor, the image of the Virgin Mary and Christ child. Angels and apostles surround them, their names written in Greek. The makers’ talents also contributed to its success as an icon. To be spiritually effective, an Orthodox icon must be as close to its original model as possible.
Created in Egypt's hot and dry desert climate, this tapestry features a border of lush greenery and fruits, while flowers peek out from around the throne of the Virgin. Imagine encountering this artistic oasis in a Coptic church during the dry heat of the day.
slit-and dovetailed-tapestry weave; wool
Overall: 178.7 x 110.5 cm (70 3/8 x 43 1/2 in.); Mounted: 197.4 x 128.2 x 6.4 cm (77 11/16 x 50 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In a tranquil corner of the Cleveland Museum of Art, a treasure hangs that whispers stories of devotion and artistry. This exquisite tapestry, woven from an astonishing palette of over twenty colors of woolen thread, captures the eye and heart with its vibrant hues. Its creation was not merely an act of craftsmanship; it was an investment of admiration, for this tapestry once commanded a higher price than a painting, reflecting the rich appreciation for the artistry of its weavers.
As one gazes upon this masterpiece, the figures of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child come alive against the textured backdrop. These sacred figures are not alone; they are enveloped in a celestial embrace of angels and apostles, their names delicately etched in ancient Greek—each letter a reverent nod to tradition, infusing the piece with history and spirituality.
As it hangs elegantly on the wall, the tapestry serves more than just an artistic purpose; it stands as an icon, a vessel of faith. In the Orthodox tradition, the effectiveness of such an icon is determined by its fidelity to the original model, a spiritual dialogue between the divine and the earthly. Each intricate detail reflects the skilled hands of its makers, whose talents have intricately contributed to the tapestry’s role as a source of honor and reverence.
In this quiet moment, one can almost feel the soft whispers of the craftsmen and the sacred resonance of the figures. It beckons viewers to linger a while longer, to appreciate not just the beauty of the colors, but the depth of the messages intertwining within each thread.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.