The art of Crete was heavily influenced by the founder of the Venetian school Paolo Veneziano.

Both Greek and Italian artists used the theme in countless works of art since the inception of the religion.

Tzanes's Lady the Lambovitissa is an example of the expert craftsmanship of the painters and the evolution of the style.

The Virgin Pantanassa is one of the earliest surviving versions of the Cretan School attributed to a painter.

[2] The materials used for the massive painting were egg tempera and gold leaf on a wood panel.

Italian masters Paolo Veneziano, Duccio, Cimabue and Giotto all created similar works in the same style.

The top part of the throne is adorned with decorative wood spindles with alternating colors.

The halo above the Virgin is decorated with an Ancient Greco-Roman styled Olive wreath motif.

Ancient Greek art typically featured halos around deities and dignified individuals.

The Halo was inscribed with the Greek words: Μνήστητη Κύριε Νεοφύτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Καρπάθου (Lord Remember, The Archbishop Neophytos of Karpathos).

The two figures at the top left and right of the Virgin Mary are James the Apostle and Saint Christodoulos of Patmos.

The painters signature is at the bottom of the work on the stairs of the throne ΧΕΙΡ ΑΝΔΡΕΟΥ ΡΙΤΖΟΥ.