The Virgin Cardiotissa 1400
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Angelos Akotantos's The Virgin Cardiotissa 1400 into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
The Virgin Cardiotissa (1400) by Angelos Akotantos is a mesmerizing example of late Byzantine iconography, radiating solemn devotion through its gilded austerity. Painted during the twilight of Byzantine art on Crete, the work depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly pressing the Christ child's hand to her heart—a poignant visualization of divine love and maternal sorrow foreshadowing the Passion. Akotantos masterfully balances hieratic formality with subtle emotional resonance, the Virgin's elongated fingers and the child's translucent drapery animated by delicate highlights against a flat gold ground. As one of the first Cretan icons bearing a verified artist's signature, it occupies a pivotal place in art history, bridging medieval traditions with the nascent Renaissance influences that would flourish in later Cretan School works like those of El Greco. The restrained palette of crimson, ochre, and lapis lazuli, combined with precise egg tempera technique, creates a luminous presence that transcends its modest panel dimensions (typically around 70x50cm for such devotional pieces).
When displaying this iconic masterpiece in contemporary spaces, consider a subdued ecclesiastical aesthetic to honor its sacral origins. A dimly lit study with walnut wood tones provides ideal contrast for the gold leaf's glow, while a minimalist niche flanked by Byzantine-inspired sconces enhances its spiritual gravitas. For modern offices, pair it with deep burgundy or sage green walls to amplify the pigment harmony, selecting a frame with Verdigris-patina metal accents that mirror the icon's aged patina. The modest size suits intimate contemplation areas rather than grandiose walls—place it at eye-level near a reading chair or meditation corner. Avoid competing artworks nearby; instead, complement with textural elements like wax candles or hammered brass objects that echo its tactile luminosity. In galleries or entryways, lighting should fall at a 30-degree angle to minimize glare on the gilded surface while revealing the intricate brushwork details.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
