Virgin Mary of Vladimir Icon

Virgin Mary of Vladimir Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, one of the most beloved images of the Theotokos. It belongs to the Eleusa, or Tenderness, type, where Christ Child presses close to His Mother and she receives Him with love and sorrow.

This version is made in an especially rich ceremonial style: full 960 gold leaf on the margins and kovcheg, hand-chased plant ornament, gold brocade-style painting on the garments, and painted imitation of precious stones and pearls.

Meaning of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir Icon

The Vladimir icon is an image of maternal love, mercy, protection, and intercession. Orthodox Christians pray before it for the preservation of family life, protection of children, peace, healing, and help in serious trials.

The Theotokos looks outward toward the person praying, while the Christ Child embraces her closely. Her gaze carries deep tenderness and sorrow, reminding the faithful of her compassion and her foreknowledge of Christ’s Passion.

Eleusa: The Tenderness Type

Eleusa means Tenderness. In this iconographic type, the holy faces of the Mother of God and Christ Child touch, and the Child embraces His Mother. The image expresses divine love, human trust, and the nearness of Christ to humanity.

The visible bare sole of the Christ Child’s left foot is a key detail of the Vladimir image. It points to the true humanity of Christ, who took flesh and accepted human vulnerability for our salvation.

Full Gold Leaf and Hand-Chased Ornament

The margins and kovcheg are covered with 960 gold leaf and worked by hand with a continuous relief plant ornament. This is a labor-intensive technique in which the gilded surface catches light through fine raised and recessed detail.

In candlelight or lamplight, the chased gold creates a living shimmer while preserving the icon’s sacred calm. The ornament gives the image a solemn, heirloom quality suitable for a central family icon or wedding blessing.

Brocade-Style Garment Painting

The garments of the Mother of God and Christ Child are covered with fine gold floral ornament, imitating precious Byzantine brocade woven with gold thread. The edge of the maforion includes painted imitation of gemstones and pearl strands.

This decoration emphasizes the royal dignity of the Theotokos while keeping the spiritual focus on the holy faces and the tender Eleusa embrace.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Traditional Technique

The icon is painted on a solid linden board. A kovcheg is cut into the front surface, and oak splines are inserted on the back to help protect the board from warping. Linen and chalk gesso prepare the surface for gilding and painting.

The painting is made in egg tempera with mineral pigments. The gold, chasing, and garment ornament are made by hand, giving the icon both durability and a solemn sacred presence.

Choosing a Size

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). Because this icon includes fine chasing and detailed garment ornament, larger formats show the craftsmanship more clearly.

For a wedding gift, central family icon, or home iconostasis, the 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in) and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in) sizes are especially expressive.

Prayer and Family Use

Before the Vladimir Mother of God, Orthodox Christians pray for family peace, protection of children, healing, help in grief, reconciliation, and peace in the wider world.

The icon is especially fitting as a wedding blessing or family heirloom because the Eleusa image speaks of love, fidelity, mercy, and spiritual unity.

Care and Preservation

An icon with gold leaf, chased relief, and fine painted ornament should not be washed, polished, or wiped with a damp cloth. Household cleaning products and abrasive materials must not be used.

Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush. A glazed wooden icon case is strongly recommended to protect the gold, tempera painting, and wooden board.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

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

Questions and Answers

What is the Virgin Mary of Vladimir Icon?

It is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, an Eleusa or Tenderness image of the Theotokos with Christ Child.

What is special about this version?

This version has full 960 gold leaf on the margins and kovcheg, hand-chased plant ornament, and gold brocade-style garment painting.

What does Eleusa mean?

Eleusa means Tenderness. It shows the Mother of God and Christ Child cheek to cheek in a close embrace of love and compassion.

What makes the Vladimir icon recognizable?

The visible bare sole of the Christ Child’s left foot is the classic distinguishing feature of the Vladimir iconographic type.

What is kovcheg on this icon?

Kovcheg is the recessed central field of the icon board. In this version, both the kovcheg and margins are gilded and hand-chased.

What does the brocade-style garment painting mean?

The gold ornament imitates precious Byzantine brocade, pearl embroidery, and jeweled fabric, emphasizing the royal dignity of the Theotokos.

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).

Which size best shows the ornament?

The 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in) and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in) sizes show the chased gold and fine garment ornament especially well.

Can this icon be used as a wedding icon?

Yes. The Vladimir Mother of God is a traditional and meaningful icon for an Orthodox wedding blessing and family prayer.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.