Mother of God "Ahtyrskaya"

The Ahtyrskaya icon of the Mother of God is a rare depiction where the Theotokos stands before the crucified Savior. This particular version is rare in that normally the arms of the Mother of God are folded over Her chest, whereas in this icon she is shown holding a cloth to Her cheek. In all cases of this icon the imagery is powerful - a Mother standing before her crucified Son.