Holy Virgin, the Milkprofferer in old Serbian painting

Abstract

Holy Virgin the Milkprofferer is very old iconographic type. The theme of the Mother of God breastfeeding the infant Jesus Christ ('she nourishes supporter of the universe') was inspired by the works of evangelist Luke, theological writings of the time and religious poetry from Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Rome, Byzantine and Western countries. Akathistos Hymn to the Holy Mother of God is a thanksgiving orthodox song to the Holy Virgin, which celebrates the role of the Theotokos in the incarnation. On the southern wall of the narthex in the Patriarchate of Peć, the foundation of Archbishop Danilo II (1324-1337), the Holy Virgin the Milkprofferer (Nurturer) was painted around 1332. The Mother of God is sitting in the throne with the child Christ suckling in her lap. This unique and magnificent fresco was most probably created by the Serbian painter, inspired by the Byzantine religious poetry or by the theological ideas expressed in the hymnal praise to Holy Virgin. The church of the Holy Virgin in the Monastery Mateic near Kumanovo was founded by tsarina Jelena and his son, young king Stefan Uroš V (1355-1371). The fresco painting of the Mateic temple was executed in the time between 1348 and 1352. The fresco of Holy Virgin the Milkprofferer was painted as a scene in the cycle of the Akathist service. The Mother of God was presented in mandorla while standing with the child Christ suckling. Angels and seraphim are showing their respect and admiration. Georgie Mitrofanovic, a Serbian painter and monk created the icon of the Holy Virgin the Milkprofferer (1615-1616) in the church of St. Tryphon, near the entry to the Chilander monastery. The iconostas from the Hermitage of St. Sava Consecrated in Karyes on Holy Mt. contains the revered icon of the Virgin Galaktotrophousa, on the right side of the Royal Doors. The icon was probably created ca.1685 by unknown painter.