Hand-Painted Vladimir Mother of God Icon

Hand-Painted Vladimir Mother of God Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, one of the most beloved images of the Theotokos. The icon belongs to the Eleusa, or Tenderness, type: Christ Child presses His face to the face of His Mother, while the Theotokos holds Him with quiet sorrow, love, and prayerful attention.

Iconography of the Vladimir Mother of God

This version of the Vladimir icon focuses on the intimate meeting of the faces of the Mother of God and Christ Child. The Child embraces His Mother, while the Theotokos gently inclines toward Him. The image speaks of maternal love, the Incarnation, and the compassionate intercession of the Mother of God.

The warm golden field, gilded halo, decorated garments, and recessed kovcheg give this icon a solemn but tender presence. The composition is close and readable, making it suitable for daily prayer in a home icon corner or chapel.

History and Veneration

The Vladimir icon of the Mother of God is venerated as a protecting and merciful image of the Theotokos. Orthodox tradition connects this iconographic type with centuries of prayer, family devotion, and appeals for help in times of danger and sorrow.

For English-speaking Orthodox believers, this icon can be understood not only as a historical holy image, but as a living image of intercession. The Theotokos turns the heart toward Christ and reminds the faithful of mercy, humility, and steadfast hope.

Prayerful Meaning

The Vladimir Mother of God icon is often chosen for family prayer, comfort in grief, blessing of children, protection of the home, and prayer for peace. The tenderness of the image makes it especially meaningful in a bedroom, family prayer corner, or quiet chapel space.

It may also be given as an Orthodox gift for a mother, a family, a wedding, a baptism, or a house blessing. Its meaning is centered on love, protection, and the prayerful nearness of the Mother of God.

Materials and Technique

The icon is painted by hand on a linden wood board with splines. The board is prepared with a kovcheg, pavoloka, and chalk levkas. The painting is made in egg tempera, with 23K gold leaf used for the gilded elements, and the surface is finished with protective varnish.

The standard size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). Larger and iconostasis sizes can be made by individual agreement. Free international shipping is included, with payment after receiving the icon.

Icon Characteristics

Name	Hand-Painted Vladimir Mother of God Icon
Iconographic type	Vladimir Mother of God, Eleusa type
Size	27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in)
Board	Linden wood board with splines and kovcheg
Ground	Pavoloka and chalk levkas
Painting	Egg tempera, 23K gold leaf, protective varnish
Use	Family prayer, home icon corner, chapel, Orthodox gift
Shipping	Free international shipping; payment after receiving

Questions and Answers

What is shown on this icon?

This icon shows the Vladimir Mother of God, with the Theotokos holding Christ Child close as their faces touch in the tender Eleusa iconographic type.

Why is the Vladimir icon called an Eleusa image?

Eleusa means tenderness or mercy. The close contact between the faces of the Mother of God and Christ Child expresses love, compassion, and divine-human closeness.

What makes this version different?

This version has a warm golden background, a recessed kovcheg board, 23K gold leaf, and a close, prayerful composition centered on the faces of the Theotokos and Christ.

What is the spiritual meaning of the Vladimir Mother of God icon?

The icon is associated with maternal love, intercession, protection of the home, comfort in sorrow, and prayerful trust in the mercy of the Theotokos.

Is this icon suitable for family prayer?

Yes. It is suitable for a family icon corner, a chapel, a bedroom, a house blessing, or as a meaningful Orthodox gift.

What materials are used for this icon?

The icon is painted on a linden wood board with splines, kovcheg, pavoloka, chalk levkas, egg tempera, 23K gold leaf, and protective varnish.

Does this icon have a kovcheg?

Yes. The icon board includes a kovcheg, the recessed central field traditionally used in Orthodox icon painting.

What is the size of this icon?

The standard size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). Larger and iconostasis sizes can be discussed individually.

Is this a printed reproduction?

No. This is a hand-painted Orthodox icon on a prepared wooden board, made with traditional materials and techniques.

How is shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included. Payment is made after receiving the icon, according to the workshop ordering terms.