Focus on Virgin Nikopoios and explore the abstract.
The Virgin Nikopoios also known as Panagia Nikopoios  is a tempera painting by Thomas Bathas.  Bathas was active in Heraklion, Venice, and Corfu during the second half of the 16th century.  The painting follows the traditional Byzantine style characteristic of the traditional maniera greca.  The painting also featured the Venetian style.  The position of the Virgin and Child is the Nikopoios (the bringer of victory).  The word Nicopeia is indicative of Constantinople.  There are actually many different types.The name "bringer of the victory" has been associated with this position and style after 7th century Byzantine Emperor Heraclius choose the image of the Theotokos and Child and made them his protectors when he sailed from Carthage to Constantinople in 610 AD.  Byzantine Emperor Heraclius left the image in Constantinople after the victory.  According to legend, the siege of the Avaren and Slaves was averted in 626, after praying to the image.  Another legend states that Empress Eudokia gave the icon to her sister in sister-in-law Empress Pulcheria in the 400s.The original was part of Venetian loot when Constantinople was sacked in 1204 during the fourth Crusade.  
The Madonna Nicopeia became part of the collection of St Mark's Basilica.  Ironically, Thomas Bathas maintained some of the paintings at the Basilica.  The Virgin Nicopeia was definitely inspired by the Madonna Nicopeia at St Mark's Basilica.
Corfu Panagia tempera Thomas Bathas Heraklion Venetian style Theotokos St Mark's Basilica Venice Heraclius maniera greca