hodēgētria

The hodēgḗtria is a type of Christian art depicting the Virgin Mary, often referred to as the Madonna. This specific iconographic type, prominent in Byzantine art, shows a standing Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ on her left arm, with her right hand pointing the way, hence the name "she who points the way".1

This depiction emphasizes Mary's role as a guide and mediator between humanity and Christ. While the theme of the Madonna and Child was rare in early Christian art, it gained prominence after the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE affirmed Mary's title as Theotokos (Mother of God). The hodēgḗtria type, along with others like the nikopoia and blacherniotissa, became central to Byzantine church decoration and iconography, often placed on the eastern wall below the image of Christ. Western art later adapted this type, particularly in Gothic sculpture, often with a more lyrical and tender portrayal of the Virgin and Child.12