The book by the famous expert on ancient Russian art Nadezhda Pivovarova tells about the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign". In this image, the ancient prediction of the prophet Isaiah is revealed: "...The Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and they will call His name Immanuel." The Old Testament mystery becomes the truth revealed not only to Christians, but also to all mankind. This capacious, meaningful image was a favorite subject of Byzantine art. But he played a special role in the history of Russia. His fate is inseparable from the fate of our statehood. The icon "The Sign" admonished Russian people at the time of internecine warfare, the rulers of our state resorted to its help.
This edition tells about the history, artistic features and the theological meaning of the icon "The Sign", as well as its most famous lists. Its text, written in an accessible, lively language, takes into account the latest scientific data and at the same time strives for theological accuracy. Numerous illustrations make the book an indispensable tool for teachers of the history of art and the foundations of Orthodox culture.