blacherniotissa

type of Madonna

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June 22, 2026

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The blacherniotissa is a specific type of Madonna depiction in Christian art, originating from Byzantine art. This type of icon emphasizes the Virgin Mary's role as an intercessor. It typically shows Mary alone in an orant, or prayer, posture. The infant Christ is often depicted in a medallion on her breast. This contrasts with other Madonna types, such as the nikopoia (enthroned Madonna and Child) or the hodēgētriā (standing Virgin holding the Child). The term Theotokos, meaning "God-Bearer," is a significant designation for the Virgin Mary in Eastern Orthodoxy, affirming her role as the mother of God.12

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Madonna
Madonna in early Christian and Byzantine art
…her left arm; and the blacherniotissa (from the Church of the Blachernes, which contains the icon that is its prototype), which emphasizes her role as intercessor, showing her alone in an orant, or prayer posture, with the Child pictured in a medallion on her breast. The Virgin also figured prominently…
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…her left arm; and the blacherniotissa (from the Church of the Blachernes, which contains the icon that is its prototype), which emphasizes her role as intercessor, showing her alone in an orant, or prayer posture, with the Child pictured in a medallion on her breast. The Virgin also figured prominently…
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orant
… Empire, the Madonna orant, or blacherniotissa, was one of the major types of depictions of the Virgin. Used to decorate the main apse of a number of churches, the Madonna orant stood symbolically as an intercession with Christ on behalf of the congregation.
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… Empire, the Madonna orant, or blacherniotissa, was one of the major types of depictions of the Virgin. Used to decorate the main apse of a number of churches, the Madonna orant stood symbolically as an intercession with Christ on behalf of the congregation.
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