The icon of Mary and Child “Sweet Kiss” comes from the 17th century and was written in the Glykophilousa style. The Theotokos is seen bending over to tenderly embrace and kiss her Divine Son. The child is seen bending his head back and bringing his cheek to rest up against His mother’s cheek. His left hand is resting in her open palm. The relationship between the two shows not only reverence, but intimacy and respect.

The Glykophilousa Icon belongs to the Eleousa (the Virgin of Tenderness) category of icons, where the Mother accepts the affection shown by the Child Christ.

Size 11x14 inch, Egg tempera and metal leaf on gessoed wood, hand-painted frame. This icon is painted on a custom-made icon panel (linden wood and natural gesso), imported from Ukraine. Wired and ready to hang.