Sur une icône inédite de la Vierge Source de vie

Abstract

On an Unpublished Icon Of The Virgin Zoodochos Pege

The article presents an unpublished icon of the Virgin Zoodochos Pege from a private collection. The icon, of rather small dimensions, has a richly carved and decorated wooden frame with baroque features. The iconographic examination of the icon follows the two published examples of the Abou-Adal collection and of the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens respectively, both of which date in the 18^th century. With the above date at hand follows a short historic overview concerning the monastery and the pilgrimage to it, along with the textual sources which mention the numerous miracles that had been linked to the hagiasma, part of whom is depicted on the icon. Finally, it can be concluded that notwithstanding the later date for the development of the iconography of Zoodochos Pege, it can be used as a source providing sufficient information on the religious and pilgrimage practice exercised in Byzantine Constantinople.