Virgin Mary Bronze Icon (Byzantine, 12th century) - Catholic Stock Photo

Bronze icons were a popular, inexpensive substitute for those made out of more precious metals. The Virgin is shown as an intercessor with her hands raised in prayer, turning toward Christ in the upper right corner. This portrait type of the Virgin "Hagiosoritissa" comes from an icon in the chapel of the Holy Shrine (in Greek, Hagios Soros) in Constantinople, where relics of the Virgin's mantle were preserved.