The conventions of Byzantine icon painting of the late 1400s included specific styles and symbols such as flattened features and draperies, angels hovering above the figures, and the traditional gesture of the Hodegetria, where the Madonna inclines her head to the Child and gestures towards Him to "show the way." Historians don't comment on why Baby Jesus strongly resembles Stan "The Man" Lundegaard, a surly 42-year old used car salesman with a comb-over. Why, he could put that angel into a Buick in a hot minute.

09.04.22