Virgin of Tenderness – Eleusa Icon

The Virgin of Tenderness icon was hand-painted by Monika Żurowska in the Monnci Art studio. Known in the Eastern Christian iconographic tradition as Eleusa, this is one of the most intimate and moving representations of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child.

At the heart of the image is the profound closeness between Mother and Son. Mary embraces Christ and gently brings her face close to His, while the Child responds with a gesture of complete trust and affection. The image goes beyond an expression of maternal tenderness. Within the iconographic tradition, it becomes a reflection on love, closeness and the awareness of Christ’s future sacrifice.

In my interpretation, I focused particularly on the emotional subtlety of this encounter. The intense blue of Mary’s mantle, the warmer tones of the Christ Child and the luminosity of gold create a harmonious composition in which colour and light guide the viewer towards the faces of the two figures.

Virgin of Tenderness icon – symbolism of closeness

The term Eleusa refers to an iconographic type in which the Virgin Mary and Christ Child are connected through a particularly tender gesture. Their faces draw close to one another and the Child remains in direct, intimate contact with His Mother.

This gesture gives the icon a deeply personal character. Mary is presented not only as the Mother of God but also as a mother experiencing profound and protective love.

Her expression, however, remains calm and contemplative. In sacred iconography, tenderness does not express maternal joy alone. It is accompanied by an awareness of Christ’s future suffering. The image therefore unites closeness with stillness, love with contemplation and beauty with spiritual depth.

Traditional egg tempera and layered painting

This hand-painted Virgin of Tenderness icon was created using the traditional technique of egg tempera on a lime wood panel.

The painting process is based on gradually building the image through successive layers of pigment. Tonal transitions and carefully applied highlights reveal the forms of the faces, hands and folds of the garments.

Particular attention was given to the faces of the Virgin and Christ. The delicate modelling is not intended to create a naturalistic portrait. Instead, it preserves the stillness and contemplative character associated with traditional icons while emphasising the intimate relationship between Mother and Son.

The deep blue of Mary’s mantle becomes one of the defining colours of the work. It contrasts with the warmer tones of the Christ Child and allows the figures to emerge clearly from the luminous gilded space.

Gold as sacred light

The gilded areas of the icon were created entirely by hand. Within the iconographic tradition, gold is far more than a decorative material. It symbolises spiritual reality and a light that does not belong to the natural world.

Its appearance changes with its surroundings. In soft light, the gold becomes quiet and subtle; under stronger illumination, it reflects with greater intensity. As a result, the icon reveals a different character throughout the day and according to the space in which it is displayed.

The preparation and application of the gilded elements require precision, patience and time, making each detail part of the individual character of the artwork.

Tradition interpreted through contemporary sensitivity

In creating this icon, I preserved the traditional visual language of the Eleusa while allowing space for my own sensitivity to colour, light and tonal relationships.

The Virgin of Tenderness icon is, for me, above all an image of closeness — a moment in which gesture and gaze can communicate more than an elaborate narrative.

This is what gives the seemingly intimate composition of Mary and Christ such a strong presence. The icon invites the viewer to pause, enter into silence and contemplate.

It may find its place in a private prayer space, bedroom, living room or another personal interior intended for quiet reflection. Because of its symbolism, it may also become a meaningful gift for a wedding, Baptism, anniversary or another important family occasion.

This is an original, entirely handmade work created in the Monnci Art studio, combining the traditional techniques of icon painting with the individual sensitivity of a contemporary artist.

Artist: Monika Żurowska
Studio: Monnci Art
Title: Virgin of Tenderness – Eleusa
Technique: egg tempera, gold leaf
Support: lime wood panel
Dimensions: 24 × 30 cm
Availability: original artwork availably

Discover more hand-painted icons by Monnci Art in the gallery, learn more about Monika Żurowska, or enquire about a commissioned icon.