Theotokos Vladimir – Wood-Carved – Mount Athos

Description Wood-Carved Icon of the Theotokos Vladimir The icon of the Theotokos Vladimir is one of the masterpieces of Byzantine iconography. It follows the iconographic type of the Virgin Eleousa. The Theotokos Vladimir is depicted holding the infant Christ, gently resting her cheek against His, while He blesses and tenderly gazes at His mother. The strong feelings and bond of affection between the two figures are uniquely expressed through their embrace and the unparalleled expression on the face of the Virgin. A subtle sorrow and melancholy are evident in her gaze, as she knows the impending Passion of her Son. According to tradition, the Theotokos Vladimir is a work of the Evangelist Luke. Around 1131 AD, the icon was transferred from Constantinople to Kiev as a wedding gift from Ecumenical Patriarch John IX of Constantinople to the Grand Prince of Kiev, Yuri Vladimirovich. In 1155 AD, the icon was moved to the city of Vladimir and from there to Moscow in 1395. It was placed in the Kremlin, where Patriarchs were proclaimed and Tsars were crowned in front of it. In the 15th century, the people of Vladimir demanded the return of the icon to their city. Instead of the original, they were given a replica created by the great Russian iconographer Andrei Rublev. The icon of the Theotokos Vladimir is honored every year in Russia on June 3rd (May 21st according to the Church of Greece). The icon of the Theotokos Vladimir is set on wood, which is carefully worked by the monks with skill and devotion, and represents an exceptional example of their tireless labor for the glory of God. The icon is available upon order. Dimensions: 41 x 17.5 x 2 cm