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The double-sided icon from Tuzla(1003)

The double-sided icon from Tuzla

Side Aː Virgin Glykophilousa with busts of saints.
Side Bː Crucifixion.
15th century.
BXM 1003

This double-sided icon from Tuzla on the coast of the Sea of Marmara (Propontis) was received on August 22 1927. The representation of the Virgin on side A bears alater inscription containing the epithet “Theoskepastos” (Veiled by God). In the lower part, a series of smaller figures of saints are frontally depicted in bust length. From left to right, these are: Saint Kyriaki, mentioned in a later inscription as Saint Photeini, Saint Paraskevi, Saint Theodosia, Saints Georgios and Demetrios, Prophet Daniel, Prophet Elijah and Saint Andrew of Crete. According to itsproof of receipt, the icon bore a silver revetment that was returned to the Refugee Heirlooms Committee. It is quite possible that, because of its great archaeological value, the Committee considered that the double-sided icon should remain at the Museum for display, while the revetment, which is most likely later, could be returned to one of the refugee communities settled in Greece to adorn one of their newly established churches.