The icon of Theotokos Kecharitomeni is placed in the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos. Its name portrays the grace and holiness of Our Lady. The same grace and tenderness are conveyed visually through Her depiction.
It constitutes a very interesting representation of the Virgin and the Divine Infant. Their hands, faces and bodies are intertwined and tightly embraced, visually conveying both the mother and child love and the Christological doctrine, the Passion and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The Virgin Mary holds Jesus on her right side. In her left hand she carries a closed scroll. Her face bends towards the Divine Infant and appears to embrace his cheek. The posture of Jesus' body appears particularly complex. His feet seem to be turned inwardly towards the image, so that we can see the sole of one foot inverted. One of His hands stands low, while the other affectionately touches His Mother's cheek. His face is also inverted in an unnatural way, while He is also touching the face of Theotokos. However, His gaze remains oriented towards the faithful. The representation evokes a playful moment between mother and child. At the same time, a multitude of symbolisms, such as the blue strips of cloth banding Jesus' body, constitutes a reference to the Passion of the Lord.
As far as the colors are concerned, intense and strong tones predominate the icon, such as the deep burgundy color of the Virgin's clothing, the orange and blue cloth of the Divine Infant, as well as the transcendent golden background that surrounds them. Noteworthy are the elegant decorative details that enrich the Virgin's garment.
