Virgin Mary of the Sign Icon

Virgin Mary of the Sign Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Mother of God in the ancient Oranta type. The name Sign refers both to the prophecy of Isaiah, “the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,” and to the miracle remembered in Russian Orthodox history.

This version is richly decorated with full 960 gold leaf, hand-chased plant ornament, multicolored enamel on the halos and corners, delicate gold assist, and egg tempera painting. It is an icon of prayer, protection, and the mystery of the Incarnation.

The Miracle of Novgorod

The icon became especially revered in Rus’ after the events of 1170, when Great Novgorod was surrounded by a powerful army. The people prayed day and night, and Archbishop John heard a command to take the icon of the Mother of God from the Church of the Savior on Ilyina Street and carry it to the city wall.

When the icon was raised on the wall, a cloud of arrows flew toward it. One arrow struck the face of the Theotokos. At that moment, according to tradition, the icon turned away from the attackers and toward the people of Novgorod, and tears flowed from the eyes of the Mother of God. The attackers were seized by confusion, and Novgorod was delivered.

Oranta: The Mother of God in Prayer

The Virgin Mary of the Sign belongs to the Oranta type, one of the oldest Christian images of prayer. The Theotokos is shown with her hands raised and spread outward, interceding before God for the whole human race.

This gesture is not passive. It is the ancient posture of intense prayer, a sign of mercy, protection, and maternal supplication for those who suffer.

Christ Emmanuel in the Medallion

At the chest of the Theotokos is a round medallion containing Christ Emmanuel. The circle symbolizes the womb of the Virgin, who contained the Uncontainable God.

Christ is shown as the pre-eternal Word of God. He blesses the world with His right hand and holds a scroll in His left hand, a sign of divine teaching and the Book of Life.

Prayer Before the Sign Icon

Orthodox Christians pray before this icon for protection in danger, peace in times of war, an end to conflict, reconciliation between enemies, protection of the home, and deliverance from theft, fire, and disaster.

The icon is also approached in prayer for healing, especially in severe illness, epidemics, blindness, and inner affliction. Its meaning is deeply tied to the Mother of God’s intercession in moments when human strength is no longer enough.

Enamel, Chasing, and Gold Assist

The background and margins are covered with 960 gold leaf and worked by hand with a dense plant relief. The chasing makes the gold shimmer in lamplight and gives the icon a solemn, ceremonial character.

The corners of the broad margins and the halos are decorated with multicolored cold enamel in red, blue, and white. The effect is like jeweled inlay over gold, while the edges of the maforion are painted with fine lace-like ornament and gold assist.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Preservation

The icon is painted on a solid linden board with linen and natural chalk gesso. Oak splines are inserted into the back of the board to help protect it from warping as humidity changes.

The painting is made in egg tempera with mineral pigments. The gold, enamel, and chased relief require careful handling: do not wash, polish, or wipe with damp cloths. Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The icon is available in several sizes. Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What does the name Virgin Mary of the Sign mean?

The word Sign means a miracle or divine sign, connected with Isaiah’s prophecy of the Virgin who would bear Emmanuel and with the miracle at Novgorod.

What happened in Novgorod in 1170?

According to tradition, the icon protected Novgorod during a siege after an arrow struck the face of the Mother of God and tears flowed from the icon.

What iconographic type is this icon?

It belongs to the Oranta type, showing the Mother of God with her hands raised in prayer.

Why is Christ shown in a round medallion?

The medallion on the chest of the Theotokos represents the mystery of the Incarnation, the Virgin bearing Christ Emmanuel.

Who is Christ Emmanuel?

Christ Emmanuel is the pre-eternal Word of God shown as a child, blessing the world and holding a scroll of divine teaching.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for peace, protection from enemies, an end to conflict, protection of the home, reconciliation, and healing.

What sizes are available?

Available sizes are 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in).

What is special about the decoration?

The icon has full 960 gold leaf, hand-chased plant ornament, multicolored enamel on the halos and corners, and gold assist on the garments.

How should an icon with enamel and chased gold be cared for?

It should not be washed or wiped with damp cloths. Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.