Filigree Icon of Tenderness
$900
17×21 cm (approx. 6.7 x 8.3 inches)
The filigree (skan) icon of Tenderness (Seraphimo-Diveevskaya) is one of the most touching, delicate, and deeply venerated images of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Orthodox world. This shrine is inextricably linked with the name of the great Russian saint—Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, for whom it was the main cell icon and whom he lovingly called the “Joy of All Joys.” The presented hand-painted image is a true masterpiece of jewelry and icon-painting art. The face of the Virgin Mary, painted in a soft academic style, is framed by a luxurious handmade oklad (riza), executed in the ancient Russian technique of openwork skan (filigree). The finest metal lace made of silver-plated wire forms a complex floral pattern around the Mother of God, which is additionally adorned with natural pearl inserts. On the maphorion (garment) of the Queen of Heaven shine symbolic stars made of blue rhinestones, framed by a metal thread. The icon is available to order in sizes starting from 17×21 cm, as well as in large iconostasis formats. This is a unique family heirloom that grants peace, spiritual consolation, and blessings to your home.
Production time for a filigree (skan) icon: 2 months.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
Free shipping worldwide
Among the rich diversity of Marian icons glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church, the Seraphimo-Diveevskaya “Tenderness” (Umilenie) image occupies a very special, unique place. There is no strict Byzantine monumentality or severe dogmatism in it. On the contrary, this icon radiates an astonishing softness, purity, profound humility, and boundless love. This is not an image of the Queen of Heaven in glory, but of the young Virgin Mary at the most intimate moment of Her life—the moment of the Annunciation, when She meekly accepts the will of the Almighty with the words: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
The hand-painted filigree (skan) Icon of Tenderness presented in our catalog is the fruit of the highest mastery of contemporary iconographers and filigree jewelers. By combining traditional painting with the ancient technique of metal lace (filigree), the masters have created not just a religious attribute, but a genuine work of art of a palatial level. The bright face of the Mother of God, surrounded by a shining silver halo of skan and pearls, will become the main spiritual treasure of your family, passed down from heart to heart, from generation to generation.
History of the Shrine: Father Seraphim’s “Joy of All Joys”
The history of the glorification of the “Tenderness” icon is inextricably intertwined with the life of one of the most beloved Russian saints—Venerable Seraphim of Sarov. The exact origin of the original image is unknown. Researchers believe that the icon was painted at the end of the 18th century by an unknown artist on canvas, which was then stretched over a cypress board. The iconography of the image has Western European roots; however, in Russia, it acquired a completely new, deeply Orthodox resonance.
For Elder Seraphim, this icon was his greatest spiritual treasure. It permanently resided in his humble cell in the Sarov Hermitage. The venerable saint nourished an incredibly reverent love for the image of the Mother of God, affectionately calling it the “Joy of All Joys.” A lampada (oil lamp) burned day and night before this icon. With the oil from this lampada, Father Seraphim would anoint the pilgrims who came to him for consolation in the shape of a cross, and through his fervent prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos, people received miraculous healings from the most hopeless mental and physical ailments.
The case of the healing of the landowner Mikhail Manturov, who suffered from an incurable leg disease, is widely known. When, after the elder’s prayers and anointing with oil from the “Tenderness” lampada, the landowner was healed and in tears threw himself to kiss the venerable saint’s feet, Seraphim of Sarov strictly pulled him back: “Is it Seraphim’s business to kill and bring to life? That is the work of the one Lord and the Mother of God!” Thus, the saint always emphasized that the grace came not from him personally, but from the Queen of Heaven.
The life of Venerable Seraphim ended just as it had passed—in prayer before his beloved image. In January 1833, the brethren of the monastery found the elder peacefully reposed in a kneeling position before the “Tenderness” icon. After his blessed repose, according to his own lifetime testament, the wonderworking image was transferred to the sisters of the Diveyevo Convent (the Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery), where it became the main shrine and protectress of the monastery.
Iconographic Features of “Tenderness”
The iconographic type of the Seraphimo-Diveevskaya “Tenderness” differs radically from the classic Byzantine “Eleusa” (Tenderness) type, where the Mother of God is depicted together with the Christ Child pressing His cheek to Her face (as, for example, on the Vladimir icon). The Diveyevo image is a single-figure, half-length depiction of the Virgin Mary before the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Mother of God is captured at the moment She utters the words of submission to the Archangel Gabriel. Her head is slightly bowed downward as a sign of the deepest humility. Her eyes are half-lowered; in them, one can read both a reverent awe before the great mystery of the Incarnation revealed to Her, and a quiet, inner joy. The Virgin Mary’s hands are crossed on Her chest—a gesture symbolizing the complete acceptance of God’s will and heartfelt prayer.
The Jewelry Technique of Skan (Filigree)
The main distinguishing feature of the presented icon is its luxurious oklad (riza), executed in the highly complex jewelry technique of skan (from the Old Russian “skat” — to twist or weave), also known as filigree. This is the art of creating openwork, lace-like patterns from the finest metal wire (cupronickel or silver).
In Russia, this technique has been known since the 9th–10th centuries, but it reached its zenith in monastery workshops in the 18th–19th centuries. The process of creating a filigree oklad is incredibly labor-intensive and cannot be machine-stamped—it is an exclusively painstaking manual work. A master jeweler takes the thinnest silver-plated wire, twists it into tight cords (“ropes”), and then uses tweezers to bend them into the smallest details of the ornament: scrolls, petals, and rosettes.
In the presented “Tenderness” image, the master used the openwork filigree technique to create a lush halo around the Mother of God’s head and a wide ornamental frame along the perimeter of the board. The silver lace looks weightless and airy, as if woven from frost. To give the oklad even greater solemnity and majesty, natural white pearl beads are carefully mounted into the interlacing of the metal threads. In Christian symbolism, pearls traditionally signify the spiritual purity, immaculacy, and holiness of the Virgin Mary.
The painted part of the image is executed at the highest level. The face of the Mother of God is painted softly, with volume and smooth tonal transitions. The maphorion (head covering) of the Queen of Heaven falls in beautiful, natural folds. A special emphasis is placed on the details of the attire: the collar of the chiton and the cuffs are richly decorated with pointillist painting imitating pearl stringing. The Stars of Virginity on the forehead and shoulders of the Mother of God are laid out from sparkling blue rhinestones framed by silver filigree, creating a stunning contrast with the warm gold background of the central part of the icon.
What the Seraphimo-Diveevskaya “Tenderness” Icon Helps With
The cell image of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov is considered by the people to be one of the most grace-filled and comforting. Believers turn to the “Joy of All Joys” in a wide variety of life’s needs, receiving swift help and peace of mind.
- Help in motherhood and women’s concerns: The “Tenderness” icon is considered a special patroness of women and girls. Young women pray before her for the preservation of chastity, the granting of a good, pious husband, and a successful marriage. Mothers ask the Theotokos for help in conception, easy childbirth, and health for their infants.
- Healing of mental and physical ailments: Just as in the days of Father Seraphim, today people pray before this image for deliverance from severe illnesses. The icon provides special help in moments of despondency, depression, and despair, granting the heart long-awaited peace and joy.
- Strengthening in faith and humility: Looking at the meek face of the Mother of God, who completely surrendered Herself to the will of God, Christians ask to be granted the same humility, patience in sorrows, and deliverance from the sin of pride.
- Preservation of the family: The “Tenderness” image is often gifted for a wedding (as the icon of the Theotokos for the bride), so that the Queen of Heaven may protect the young family from discord, envy, and help the spouses grow in mutual love.
Manufacturing Technology and Materials
The creation of an icon with a filigree oklad is a multi-stage process involving iconographers, levkas preparers, gilders, and master jewelers.
The base is a specially prepared linden wood board with inlaid oak splines, which protect the wood from deformation. A multi-layered chalk levkas (gesso) is applied to the board and sanded to a perfect smoothness. The painting is done with natural mineral tempera (paints based on egg yolk and natural pigments), which guarantees the durability and richness of the color for hundreds of years. The background of the icon is covered with genuine 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf.
After the painting stage is completed, the filigree master takes over. He manually lays out the silver lace of the oklad, solders the elements together, and secures the openwork frame and halo on the board. In the final stage, the oklad is inlaid with natural pearls and jewelry rhinestones.
Available Sizes
We offer the filigree “Tenderness” icon in various sizes so you can choose the optimal option for your needs:
- 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3″) and 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4″): Beautiful, soulful formats for a gift to a young woman for her coming of age, baptism, or wedding. Ideal for placing on a bedside table or in a small home iconostasis.
- 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2″): The most popular classic size. In this format, the filigree lace of the oklad is revealed in all its luxurious detail. An excellent choice for the central icon in a prayer corner or a substantial gift for an anniversary.
- Iconostasis and church formats: At your request, we can craft a large church icon with a massive filigree oklad for installation in a church kiot or the local tier of an iconostasis.
Characteristics Table
| Parameter | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Iconographic Type | Tenderness / Umilenie (Seraphimo-Diveevskaya), half-length single-figure image |
| Base (Board) | Natural linden wood, oak inlaid splines, pavoloka |
| Primer and Painting | Chalk levkas (gesso), mineral egg tempera (academic style) |
| Background Gilding | 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf |
| Oklad Technique | Handmade openwork skan (filigree) from silver-plated wire |
| Inlay | Natural pearl inserts, blue jewelry rhinestones |
| Sizes | From 17×21 cm, 20×24 cm, 27×31 cm and larger (including iconostasis sizes) |
| Packaging | Custom glazed kiot (display case) is available to order |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is the Mother of God depicted without the Christ Child on the “Tenderness” icon?
The iconography of the Seraphimo-Diveevskaya “Tenderness” captures the Virgin Mary at the moment of the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel had just brought Her the tidings of the Savior’s birth. Therefore, She is depicted alone, with Her hands crossed on Her chest, as a sign of deep humility and submission to the will of God.
2. Who is Venerable Seraphim of Sarov and how is he connected to this icon?
Seraphim of Sarov is one of the most venerated Russian saints, a wonderworking elder. The original “Tenderness” icon was kept in his cell throughout his life. He loved this image dearly, prayed before it, anointed the sick with oil from the lampada burning before it, and it was before this very icon that he peacefully passed away.
3. What is skan (filigree) on the oklad of this icon?
Skan is an ancient jewelry technique of creating openwork metal lace from the finest twisted wire (in this case, silver-plated). The master manually bends and solders the smallest details, creating a luxurious halo and an ornamental frame around the painted face.
4. Will the silver filigree tarnish over time?
Any metal containing silver may acquire a noble patina (slight darkening) over time, which only emphasizes the handmade nature and antique look of the item. To avoid rapid oxidation, we strongly recommend storing the icon in a glazed kiot (icon case).
5. Are real pearls used for the decoration?
Yes, our jewelers use natural cultured river or sea pearls to inlay the filigree oklad. They symbolize the spiritual purity of the Mother of God and give the icon a truly regal appearance.
6. What do people pray for before the Seraphimo-Diveevskaya “Tenderness” icon?
This icon is considered a patroness of women. Before it, people pray for the granting of a good spouse, for a successful conception and easy childbirth, and for the health of children. People also turn to the image in moments of despondency, asking for peace of mind, joy, and healing from severe ailments.
7. Can I gift this icon for a wedding (Sacrament of Matrimony)?
Yes, this is a beautiful and very symbolic gift. The “Tenderness” icon is often chosen as the wedding image for the bride. With Her meekness and purity, She serves as an ideal spiritual compass for a young wife.
8. What do the stars on the garments of the Mother of God mean?
On the maphorion (upper covering) of the Virgin Mary, three stars are traditionally depicted—on the forehead and on both shoulders. This is an ancient Christian symbol of Her Ever-Virginity (She was a Virgin before birth, during birth, and after birth). On our icon, they are made of blue rhinestones in a filigree setting.
9. What size icon is best to order?
For personal prayer, placement on a bedside table, or as a gift to a young girl, the 17×21 cm size is excellent. If you want to make an expensive, prestigious gift for an anniversary or wedding, or are choosing the main shrine for a home, it is better to opt for the 27×31 cm size.
10. Does the filigree icon require special care?
The icon requires careful handling. It must not be wiped with a damp cloth or chemical agents, so as not to damage the painting and filigree. Dust should be gently brushed off with a soft, dry brush. The best way to preserve the shrine for centuries is to immediately order a protective wooden kiot with glass for it.
| Dimensions | 17x21cm (6.7×8.3 in) |
|---|---|
| Name | Mary |
