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Siler City, NC

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The Mother of God

By Dan Humphries

Artist Info

Born: Greenville, SC

About Dan Humphries

Dan was born in Greenville, SC and grew up in nearby Spartanburg. Dan has dabbled in art his entire life and became fascinated with the work of the Rev. Howard Finster in the 1980s after seeing his paintings on the album covers of the bands REM and Talking Heads. Like Finster, Dan’s Christian faith drives his art projects

Learn More and See Additional Works by This Artist

Art Description

As a companion piece to “The Confusolution of Tongues,” Dan created an icon of the Mother of God (in Greek, Θεοτόκος/Theotokos literally “God-bearer”) holding her Son, the Savior of the world.  Since the Tower is ultimately a monument to the Holy Spirit, Dan thought it fitting to include Mary, who, in addition to being Christ’s mother, is the spouse of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1: 31-35, 38; Genesis 2: 24).

The style depicted in this icon is referred to as “Tender Mercy” or “The Virgin of Tenderness” (in Greek, Ἐλεούσα/Eleusa) in the Byzantine (Greek Orthodox) tradition.  In this type, the Mother of God holds her Son closely and lovingly, symbolizing the unbreakable relationship between the two.

Art Details

Collection: Small Museum

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Supported by a Grassroots Arts Grant from

The Small Museum of Folk Art
219 East Street
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-642-3866
smallmuseumfolkart@gmail.com

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