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Towards the end of the 15th century, a new kind of Mother-of-God icon appeared in Cretan icon-painting. It quickly became very widespread and remained extremely popular with artists and patrons until well into the 17th century. This type is known as the "Madre della Consolazione" (Mother of Consolation) and is distinguished by a striking Italian influence. As in many Italian paintings of the Madonna, we find the fine, diaphanous veil beneath the maphorion (overdress) of the Mother of God instead of the Eastern cap or bonnet. Western too is the way the garment of the Virgin is fastened over the breast with a clasp, and the incuse patterning of the haloes. Typically Venetian is the opulent golden pattern of the Virgin's garment, which can be seen in similar form on many Venetian Trecento paintings, especially those by Paolo Veneziano and his successors. The Christ-child is holding an open scroll with the (in places heavily abbreviated) Greek inscription: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me".
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