These are, thankfully, rare on icons of the Theotokos and are a result of misunderstanding the Byzantine system of rhythm and line, creating a theological ‘rule’ out of the ‘repeated whispers’ type of information common around iconography Lettering on Icons of the Theotokos -Īs with most Orthodox icons of Mary, the letters ΜΡ ΘΥ (short for ΜΗΤΗ Ρ ΘΕΟ Υ, " Mother of God") are usually placed on the upper left and right of the head of the Virgin Mary - these can be moved around according to the composition but will rarely change, whatever type of icon is depicted. Some iconographers take this to extremes, misunderstanding it as a ‘feature’ and creating wildly contrasting expressions.
This paradox is most commonly seen in the Sinai Icon of Christ, where the eyes are painted slightly differently. If we are happy or calm, we are more likely to view the expression as calm. The state of both the viewer and the iconographer impacts the finished face - if we, as people using the icon in prayer, are feeling sad, we see that aspect of the face so much more. It’s been said that this shows the ‘bright sadness’ or ‘ harmolipi’ we try to find during Lent - but it is an interesting choice because it’s not a bland calm neutrality either. Instead of reflecting the human agony or joy of a moment, the icon is almost neutral.
I’ve heard it said recently that “ we are a sad generation with happy pictures” - perhaps the ‘sad’ pictures of the Church indicate an inner happiness that is not expressed outwardly? This calm expression isn’t the same as the torture or misery in some Western religious art - on the Cross, Christ does not twist His face in agony, his Mother does not weep copious tears with an open downturned mouth.
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