Russian or Greek, the mother and child are defined by soft lines, bright gold haloes, red and blue robes, yet the child's helplessness clinging to his mother's cheek is universal.
Exotic symbols inhabit the painting's corners.
If you look at it long it enters you. Here is Everywoman with Child, yet no woman you've ever met. You worship without meaning to. Long ago we smashed these for their power of gentleness and strength. Mother of God, God Child, I do not know what to make of you.