Bogolyubskaya Icon of the Mother of God

Bogolyubskaya Icon of the Mother of God is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Bogolyubskaya Mother of God with praying saints. This is a complex multi-figure version of the ancient Russian icon, where the Theotokos stands in prayer before Christ and the saints below her join in a common prayer for the faithful.

The image is solemn, detailed, and spiritually rich. It presents the Mother of God not only as intercessor, but as the center of a conciliar prayer in which saints, hierarchs, monastics, righteous women, martyrs, and Saint Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky stand before God together.

Meaning of the Bogolyubskaya Icon of the Mother of God

The Bogolyubskaya icon is one of the most revered Russian images of the Mother of God. It is traditionally connected with the vision granted to Saint Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky in the twelfth century, during the transfer of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

In this expanded version, often called the Bogolyubskaya icon with standing or praying saints, the image becomes a visual expression of the prayer of the whole Church. The Mother of God intercedes before Christ, and the saints below her lift their prayer together with her.

Iconography with Praying Saints

The Virgin Mary is shown standing on a cloud, turned toward Christ in prayer. Her hands are raised in supplication, and she holds an open scroll with words of intercession for the human race. This type is close to the Agiosoritissa tradition, where the Mother of God is shown as the one who prays and intercedes.

Christ appears in the upper heavenly segment. He receives the prayer of His Mother and blesses her, the saints, and all who pray before the icon. Below the Mother of God stands a group of saints, traditionally led by Saint Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky.

The exact group of saints may vary in different versions, symbolizing the fullness of the Church at prayer. The composition may include Moscow hierarchs, monastic saints, righteous women, martyrs, and other revered holy figures.

Prayer Before This Icon

Before the Bogolyubskaya icon with saints, Orthodox Christians pray for protection from mass disasters, epidemics, and serious illnesses. The icon has long been associated with the protection of cities, people, and families in times of danger.

People also pray before this image for healing, peace, the softening of hostile hearts, reconciliation of those in conflict, and help for those who carry responsibility in public service, military service, leadership, or protection of others.

A Multi-Figure Sacred Composition

Unlike the single-figure version of the Bogolyubskaya icon, this composition is filled with many figures and theological meaning. The monastery background is replaced by a conditional landscape and the prayerful assembly of saints.

This makes the icon especially demanding for the icon painter. Each face must be written with attention, proportion, and spiritual concentration, while the whole composition must remain clear, balanced, and prayerful.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Technique

The icon is painted on a solid linden board with kovcheg. Inserted oak splines help protect the board from warping. The front side is covered with linen cloth and several layers of natural chalk gesso, which is polished to prepare the surface for painting and gilding.

The wide margins and numerous halos are gilded with 960 gold leaf and polished to a warm sacred glow. The faces, garments, landscape, and details are painted in egg tempera with mineral pigments, applied in thin translucent layers to create depth and inner luminosity.

Why the Size Matters

The listed size is 22×28 cm. This format gives the icon painter enough space to work clearly with the many figures, faces, garments, halos, and landscape elements. Because this is a multi-figure icon, very small sizes are not recommended.

Larger custom formats may be discussed individually. They are especially appropriate when the icon is intended for a family prayer room, a church, a chapel, or a significant commemorative gift.

For Whom This Icon Is Appropriate

This icon may be chosen as a strong family image, a wedding or anniversary gift, a prayerful gift for someone in illness, or a meaningful offering to a church or monastery. Its composition emphasizes not only personal prayer, but the prayer of the whole Church.

Because Saint Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky is traditionally shown among the praying saints, this icon may also be meaningful for people who carry civic, military, administrative, or protective responsibility and seek wisdom and righteousness in service.

Care and Preservation

The icon should be protected from direct sunlight, humidity, drafts, strong heat, and sudden temperature changes. The painted surface and gold leaf should not be wiped with a damp cloth or cleaned with household products.

Dust may be removed gently with a very soft dry brush. Because the icon includes gold leaf and many fine painted details, a glazed wooden icon case is recommended for long-term preservation.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The listed size is 22×28 cm, with larger custom formats discussed individually. Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What is the Bogolyubskaya Icon of the Mother of God with saints?

It is a multi-figure hand-painted icon in which the Mother of God stands in prayer before Christ, with selected saints praying below her.

How does this version differ from the single-figure Bogolyubskaya icon?

This version emphasizes the prayer of the whole Church: the monastery background is replaced by a landscape and a group of praying saints.

Who is shown among the saints?

The group is traditionally led by Saint Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky and may include hierarchs, monastics, righteous women, and martyrs.

Why does the Mother of God hold a scroll?

The scroll expresses her prayerful intercession before Christ for mercy, grace, and salvation for the faithful.

Where is Christ shown?

Christ appears in the heavenly segment, receiving the prayer of His Mother and blessing the faithful and the saints who stand before her.

What do people pray for before this icon?

They pray for protection from epidemics and disasters, peace, healing, reconciliation, wise leadership, and help in serious trials.

What materials are used?

The icon is painted on a linden board with kovcheg, oak splines, linen cloth, chalk gesso, egg tempera, and 960 gold leaf on the margins and halos.

What is the listed size of this icon?

The listed size is 22×28 cm. Larger custom formats may be discussed individually because the composition is detailed and multi-figure.

Why is a small size not recommended?

The icon includes many saintly figures, so a very small format would make the faces and details too difficult to paint clearly.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.