Virgin of the Passion

Virgin of the Passion
Greek: Παναγία του Πάθους,
Italian: Vergine della Passione
ArtistEmmanuel Tzanfournaris
Year1585–1630
MediumTempera on wood
MovementLate Cretan School
SubjectMary (as Theotokos) and the Child Jesus
Dimensions83.3 cm × 66.5 cm (32.8 in × 26.2 in)
LocationHellenic Institute of Venice, Venice, Italy
OwnerHellenic Institute of Venice

The Virgin of the Passion is a rendition of the Madonna and Child by Greek painter Emmanuel Tzanfournaris. He was born in Corfu to the painter Georgios Tzanfournaris. By age twenty-nine Emmanuel moved to Venice. Emmanuel's teacher was painter Thomas Bathas, whom he met on the island Corfu. Bathas left Emmanuel a sizable fortune in his will. Both painters created versions of the Virgin and Child. The Bathas version is called Virgin Nikopoios.

The Panagia and Child have been painted many times by Greek and Italian artists. According to tradition, Luke the Evangelist was the first to paint a portrait of the two figures. The painting style has roots in Greek-Italian Byzantine art. The Tzanfournaris version is part of the collection of the Hellenic Institute of Venice Museum.