title: Breastfeeding in Byzantine icon art.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Mary Galaktotrophousa is a representation of the Virgin breastfeeding the infant Jesus.
  
  
  METHODS
  The origin of this theme goes back to Antiquity when images of gods feeding humans were considered as an example that should be imitated by human. In the early days of Christianity, the Fathers of the Church recognized on the feature of Mary the ideal exemplary of maternity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The image of the Virgin breastfeeding the Holy Child, except the theological interpretation of the gesture, underline the fact that breastfeeding represents one of the most substantial gestures in the woman nature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Korinthos General Hospital, Corinth, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Gkegkes
authors.forename: Vassiliki M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Darla
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Iavazzo
mesh_terms: D001154:Art / Q000266:history*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000266:history*; D018612:Byzantium; D002835:Christianity / Q000266:history; D005260:Female; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans