The Vernicle Image of the Saviour
Price range: $700 through $2250
Available sizes: 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in). Iconostasis sizes by request.
The Vernicle Image of the Saviour is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Holy Face of Christ, the Image Not Made by Hands, shown on the sacred cloth.
Painted on a linden wood board with kovcheg, oak splines, pavoloka, gesso, mineral egg tempera, natural pigments, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity). Free international shipping. Payment after receiving.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
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The Vernicle Image of the Saviour is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Holy Face of Christ, also known as the Image Not Made by Hands and the Savior on the Cloth. In this icon, only the face of Christ is shown on the holy cloth, without shoulders, hands, Gospel, or surrounding narrative. The whole image is concentrated on the face and gaze of the Saviour.
This icon is a traditional Mstyora icon painted by hand on a linden wood board with kovcheg, oak splines, pavoloka, gesso, mineral egg tempera, natural pigments, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity). The icon is available in home sizes and larger iconostasis formats by request.
Meaning of the Vernicle Image of the Saviour
The Vernicle Image of the Saviour is one of the most ancient and theologically important icons of Christ. In Orthodox tradition, this image is connected with the miraculous imprint of the face of Christ on a cloth, not made by human hands. For this reason, it is called the Image Not Made by Hands.
This icon witnesses to the truth of the Incarnation. The Son of God truly became Man, and His human face could be seen. Because God became visible in Christ, the icon is not an idol, but a confession of the Gospel: the invisible God entered visible human life.
The composition is extremely restrained. There is no gesture and no scene. The entire spiritual weight rests on the face of Christ and His direct gaze. The icon calls the person praying to silence, attention, repentance, and inner dialogue with the Lord.
From Edessa to Constantinople
According to Church tradition, King Abgar of Edessa was seriously ill and sent the painter Ananias to Christ, hoping to receive healing or a portrait of the Savior. The painter could not depict Christ because of the light shining from His face.
Then Christ washed His face and wiped it with a cloth. His face was miraculously impressed on the cloth, and the image was brought to Abgar, who received healing. This holy cloth became one of the great treasures of the Christian world.
In 944, the sacred image was solemnly transferred to Constantinople. The Church commemorates this event on August 29 according to the new calendar. In Russian Orthodox tradition, the Holy Face became a central protective and prayerful image of Christ.
Iconographic Features
The Savior is shown strictly frontally, with the face directed toward the person praying. This frontal stillness is not emptiness; it is the visual language of prayerful presence. The gaze of Christ invites the believer to stand honestly before God.
The holy cloth, or ubrus, recalls the earthly reality of the Incarnation: God became visible and tangible. The cross halo is an essential sign of Christ and bears the Greek letters meaning He Who Is, the divine name revealed to Moses. The monograms IC XC stand at the sides of the halo.
The strict symmetry of the face, the parted hair, the beard, the halo, and the cloth all serve one meaning: the icon is a confession of Christ as true God and true Man.
Traditional Materials and Technique
The icon is painted on a solid linden wood board, a traditional material valued for its stability and suitability for icon painting. The front has a kovcheg, the recessed central field that gives the image depth, and the back is strengthened with inset oak splines.
The surface is prepared with pavoloka, a linen cloth layer, and multi-layer gesso made from chalk and glue. The ground is carefully polished before painting, creating a smooth, luminous surface for the image.
The painting is made in mineral egg tempera, using natural pigments such as lapis lazuli, malachite, ochers, and siennas. This traditional technique gives the icon transparent, living color and allows the light of the face to be built gradually through layers.
The halo and background are gilded with genuine 23K gold leaf (960 purity). Gold in an icon signifies the uncreated light of divine glory. The icon is finished with protective lacquer or drying oil to preserve the painting.
Available Sizes
| Size | Use |
| 17 x 21 cm | Small home icon corner or personal prayer space |
| 20 x 24 cm | Classic home iconostasis size |
| 27 x 31 cm | Analogion size or larger family prayer room |
| 30 x 40 cm | Large home, gift, chapel, or church format |
| Custom | Iconostasis or kiot sizes by request |
Prayer Before the Holy Face
The Holy Face is a fundamental image of Christ for home prayer. Orthodox Christians pray before this icon for healing, repentance, forgiveness, strengthening of faith, and protection of the home and family.
Before This Icon, Believers Pray:
- for healing of body and soul;
- for forgiveness of sins and true repentance;
- for protection of the home and family;
- for help in difficult or seemingly hopeless circumstances;
- for strengthening of faith in moments of doubt;
- for attention, sobriety, and quiet prayer before Christ.
Icon Characteristics
| Name | The Vernicle Image of the Saviour |
| Iconographic type | Holy Face of Christ, Image Not Made by Hands, Savior on the Cloth |
| Main spiritual meaning | Incarnation, visible face of Christ, prayerful protection, healing, and repentance |
| Board | Natural linden wood |
| Board construction | Kovcheg and oak splines |
| Ground | Pavoloka and multi-layer gesso |
| Painting | Mineral egg tempera with natural pigments |
| Gilding | 23K gold leaf (960 purity) |
| Available sizes | 17 x 21 cm, 20 x 24 cm, 27 x 31 cm, 30 x 40 cm, and iconostasis sizes by request |
| Purpose | Home iconostasis, prayer corner, Orthodox gift, church, chapel, kiot, and iconostasis |
Ordering, Shipping, and Payment
The icon is available in several standard sizes and larger iconostasis formats by request. Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after receiving the icon.
Questions and Answers
What is the Vernicle Image of the Saviour?
It is the Holy Face of Christ on the cloth, also known as the Image Not Made by Hands or the Savior on the Ubrus.
Why is this icon called Not Made by Hands?
According to Church tradition, Christ’s face was miraculously impressed on a cloth, not painted by a human artist.
How is this icon different from other icons of Christ?
Only the face of Christ is shown on the cloth, without shoulders, hands, Gospel, or narrative scene.
What is the theological meaning of this image?
It witnesses to the Incarnation: the Son of God truly became visible as Man, and His face can be depicted in an icon.
What do the letters in the halo mean?
The Greek letters mean He Who Is, the divine name revealed to Moses, confessing Christ as true and eternal God.
What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?
They pray for healing, protection, forgiveness, strengthening of faith, repentance, and help in difficult circumstances.
What materials are used for this icon?
The icon is painted on a linden wood board with kovcheg, oak splines, pavoloka, gesso, mineral egg tempera, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity).
Which sizes are available?
Available sizes are 17 x 21 cm, 20 x 24 cm, 27 x 31 cm, and 30 x 40 cm. Iconostasis sizes can be discussed by request.
Is this icon suitable as an Orthodox gift?
Yes. It is suitable for baptism, name day, house blessing, birthday, or for someone beginning a serious Orthodox prayer life.
How should this hand-painted icon be cared for?
Keep it away from direct sunlight, drafts, humidity, and sudden temperature changes. Clean only with a very soft dry brush or cloth.
| Dimensions | 17x21cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20x24cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27x31cm (10.6×12.2 in), 30x40cm (11.8×15.7 in) |
|---|---|
| Name | Jesus |
