The Virgin of Vladimir

Iconography

The icon of the Most Holy Virgin of Vladimir is one of the most famous examples of Byzantine art, and belongs to the iconography of the Virgin of Eleusis or the Virgin of Tenderness. The icon is a representation of the Mother of God in which the infant Jesus Christ is touched to her cheek. The icon conveys the communication of mother and child, full of tenderness. Such iconography was known in early Christian art, but it became particularly widespread in the 11th century.

A characteristic of the icon of the Most Holy Mother of God of Vladimir from other icons of this type is the left leg of the infant Christ, which is bent in such a way that the sole of the leg is visible.

This icon is made in the manner of the old Byzantine mosaics.

About the Motive

According to church tradition, the icon of the Most Holy Virgin of Vladimir was painted by the apostle and evangelist Luke. According to legend, the icon was in Jerusalem until the 5th century, when it was taken to Constantinople during the reign of King Theodosius II. The icon came to Russia from Byzantium around 1130 as a gift to Prince Yurii Dolgorukov. After being moved several times, around 1160 the icon was taken to the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir and since then the icon has received its current name Vladimirska.

The icon of the Most Holy Mother of God of Vladimir is considered the holy protector and patroness of Russia and the Russian people.

About the Product

A suitable gift for family patron’s day, name day, baptism, moving into a new home…