Virgin of Mercy
In addition, the theme combines elements of the Western "Virgin of Mercy" and the Russian "Pokrov" icons, though these are not necessarily direct influences. It was probably associated with the feast of "All Saints", and used on altars with this dedication. In the "Virgin of Mercy", a standing Mary spreads her cloak wide, sheltering a crowd of figures, representing the living. In the "Pokrov" icons, she holds a small "veil" in her hands in a similar gesture to the Burrell figure, but this represents the vision of a Byzantine saint, where she spread her veil over the world as a protection.