Glykophilousa

NIKI J. TSIRONIS

The term refers to the specific iconographic type of the Virgin Theotokos, where Mary is shown holding the Christ child tenderly in her arms. Literally, in Greek the term means “the one kissing sweetly” and corresponds to the more notable aspect of tenderness expressed in this specific iconic pattern, although one sometimes finds little direct relevance between iconographic type and the epithet employed as an inscription. The Glykophilousa typology expresses developments related to the growing cult of the Virgin during and after the Iconoclastic period, when the figure of Mary was employed by writers defending the Iconophile cause on the basis of incarnational theology.

SEE ALSO: Icons; Theotokos, the Blessed Virgin