What period does the artwork Virgin (Theotokos) and Child belong to?

The artwork Virgin (Theotokos) and Child is categorized under the Middle Byzantine period, which is characterized by a revival of art forms and religious themes that emerged in the Byzantine Empire approximately from the 9th to the 12th centuries. During this time, there was a strong emphasis on religious imagery and the veneration of icons, particularly depictions of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.

This period witnessed the development of a more refined and expressive style in iconography, with an increased focus on spiritual symbolism and clarity in form. The Virgin (Theotokos) and Child exemplifies these characteristics through its use of gold backgrounds, which enhance the divine nature of the figures, and the serene, front-facing poses that draw the viewer's attention to their spiritual significance.

The artwork's features align with Middle Byzantine aesthetics, distinguishing it from other periods. The Early Gothic period, for instance, was more associated with Western European artistic developments focused around architecture and sculpture, while Late Byzantine art represents a later evolution, incorporating more complex narratives and emotive expressions. Romanesque art, on the other hand, emphasizes monumental sculptures and less emphasis on iconography compared to the focused religious themes found in Middle Byzantine works. The defining aspects of the Virgin (