Greek-Orthodox (‘Rum’) icon, 19th century. From the Antalya region.
Meaning of the iconography: ‘Jezus is the sacred fountain of life’.
He is presented as such by his mother, the Virgin Mary.
People in front of the fountain, both living and dead, enjoy the protection of this holy fountain.
The picture is a iconographical paraphrase on Jezus’ words to Martha, Lazarus’ sister:
‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.’ (John 11,25).

The fishes swimming in the basin indicate that this icon is also referring to the “Monastery of the Mother of God at the Spring” (full name in Greek: Μονὴ τῆς Θεοτòκου τῆς Πηγῆς, pr. Moni tis Theotóku tis Pigis; Turkish name: Balıklı Meryem Ana Rum Manastiri) or simply Zoödochos Pege (Greek: Ζωοδόχος Πηγή, "Life-giving Spring"), which is an Eastern Orthodox sanctuary in Istanbul (outside the Byzantine walls, near Silivri Kapı).
The complex got its name from a holy spring near the church, reputed to have healing properties and in which fish are living. For almost fifteen hundred years, this sanctuary has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Greek Orthodoxy.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.