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The Sculptors Lexicon

Theotokos

Greek for 'God-bearer' or 'Mother of God,' a title of the Virgin Mary affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Short Definition

Greek for 'God-bearer' or 'Mother of God,' a title of the Virgin Mary affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Language Origin

Greek

Categories

Sacred Art

Greek for ‘God-bearer’ or ‘Mother of God,’ a title of the Virgin Mary affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431. In sacred sculpture the term identifies Marian imagery that emphasizes the identity of Christ as truly divine and truly human.