Travel Icon - Our Lady of Victory

silver, silver gilt, silver frame; 8.5 x 7 cm (with frame); weight of badge and frame 67 g, total 82 g.
Italy, 20th century.
The prototype of the image is the icon of Our Lady of Distinction "Sign". The icon owes its name to the fact that in Byzantium people prayed before it for the gift of victory in battle. The icon was also considered the patroness of the imperial house. The image of the Mother of God in a half pose, with Emmanuel in bust in the center. Gilded background, in the bordure quarters with the image of the Saints.
Travel icons arose from the needs of the faithful giving them a sense of security for body and soul, helped to focus on prayer, accompanied pilgrims and travelers.