What does the term Theotokos refer to in Christian art?

The term Theotokos is a Greek word that translates to "God bearer" and refers specifically to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Christian art. This title emphasizes her role in the Incarnation, where she bore Jesus Christ, who is considered both fully divine and fully human in Christian theology. The use of Theotokos in art often highlights Mary’s significance in salvation history and her revered position within Christianity.

Artworks that depict Mary as Theotokos frequently show her with the infant Jesus, symbolizing her unique role in the divine plan. This term became especially prominent in Byzantine art, where representations of the Virgin Mary as Theotokos helped to communicate theological concepts and celebrate her importance within the Christian faith.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the meaning of Theotokos; they refer to different aspects of Christian art, like depictions of angels, representations of Jesus' crucifixion, or other types of religious works. Thus, the significance of Theotokos lies in its direct reference to Mary as the bearer of God, which is central to the understanding of her role in Christian art and belief.