Pentcheya, Bissera V. Icons and power: the Mother of God in Byzantium. Pennsylvania State University Press, 2006
“Icon and Power: the Mother of God in Byzantium” by Bissera V. Pentcheya completely describes and discusses all works of art that involves the Virgin and Child. From the virgin of Vladimir to Madonna and child and other iconic figure that represents the mother of god. This book validly supports the Virgin of Vladimir and its significance which in turns supports its relevance. From further research and understanding the author Bissera V. Pentcheya is most credible in his formal experience on this topic. He is an assistant professor of art history at the Stanford University therefore credit worthy of this book. Pentcheya submits…show more content… Known as the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary became a means of military power, and therefore seen as the royal command. The authority to lead; “you who have given the birth of the way of salvation, Virgin, lead me to the straightway and make the straight ways of my soul, I beseech you, and lead my steps to the way of repentance…” (174) this quoted line from a Theotokos in the book Icon and Power. This excerpt from the Theotokos depicts the strength and “power of the Virgin to pull up and lead mankind” (175). The Virgin Mary is continually emphasized as a guide and a powerful icon in the book. Pentcheya continues to present, analyze and defend the soul purpose of the stories, symbols and meaning behind all the pieces of the Virgin Mary. Pentcheya also creates an entire chapter in her book that justifies her arguable standing of her position on how the Mother of God is an embodied power and plays as military role. Entitled "In the Context of War," (61), the author Pentcheya discusses the militaristic views of the Virgin