Vladimir God Mother Orthodox Icon

Vladimir God Mother Orthodox Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, one of the most honored images of the Theotokos. It belongs to the Eleusa, or Tenderness, type, where the Christ Child presses His cheek to the face of His Mother and embraces her with love.

This icon is painted in academic Orthodox style on a prepared wooden board, using egg tempera, mineral pigments, 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and chased gilded decoration. The listed size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), a strong medium format for a home iconostasis, wedding blessing, or family prayer corner.

Meaning of the Vladimir God Mother Orthodox Icon

The Vladimir icon of the Mother of God is associated with prayer for protection, peace, healing, family harmony, and spiritual guidance. For Orthodox Christians, this image is not only a work of sacred art but a prayerful presence in the home.

The Theotokos holds Christ with tenderness, while He reaches toward her in a close embrace. Her gaze turns toward the person praying, carrying love, sorrow, and intercession. The image speaks of divine nearness and maternal protection.

Eleusa: The Tenderness Composition

Eleusa means Tenderness. In this iconographic type, the faces of the Mother of God and Christ Child touch, and the Child embraces His Mother. The composition expresses both the human tenderness of the Incarnation and the spiritual closeness of the soul to God.

The Vladimir icon is especially recognizable by the visible bare sole of the Christ Child’s foot. This detail emphasizes that Christ truly became man, entering human life with real vulnerability for the salvation of the world.

History and Veneration

Orthodox tradition connects the first image of the Mother of God with the Apostle Luke. The Vladimir icon later became one of the most beloved and revered Orthodox images, honored in prayer for deliverance, protection, and peace.

Its history is connected with great moments of prayer before danger, but its meaning is also close to ordinary family life: reconciliation, protection of children, healing, and the search for wisdom in difficult decisions.

Traditional Materials and Technique

The icon is painted on a linden board strengthened with wooden splines. Linen is applied to the board, followed by chalk gesso. This traditional preparation creates a stable ground for gilding and tempera painting.

The holy image is painted in egg tempera on egg yolk with mineral pigments. The gilding is made with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and the decoration includes chased gold work. A final protective varnish helps preserve the painted surface.

Gold Leaf and Chased Decoration

The icon uses 23K gold leaf (960 purity), a traditional material in Orthodox icon painting. Gold is not used simply as ornament; it symbolizes divine light and the sacred radiance of the heavenly world.

The chased gilded decoration gives the icon a solemn and elevated character while keeping the main attention on the faces of the Mother of God and Christ Child.

Icon Characteristics

Size and Placement

The listed size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). This format is large enough for the faces, gold work, and gesture of embrace to be seen clearly, while remaining practical for a home prayer corner or wall iconostasis.

It is also a suitable size for a wedding icon, anniversary gift, or a family icon intended to remain in the home for many years.

Prayer and Family Use

Before the Vladimir Mother of God, Orthodox Christians pray for reconciliation, the softening of hearts, protection from danger, healing, the well-being of children, and guidance in important choices.

The icon is often chosen for weddings and family blessings because the image speaks so strongly of love, trust, mercy, and the intercession of the Mother of God.

Care and Preservation

A hand-painted icon with gold leaf should be protected from dampness, direct sunlight, smoke, and sudden temperature changes. The surface should not be washed, polished, or wiped with a wet cloth.

Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush. For long-term preservation, a glazed wooden icon case is recommended.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The listed size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What is the Vladimir God Mother Orthodox 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 does Eleusa mean?

Eleusa means Tenderness. In this icon type, the Christ Child presses His cheek to His Mother in a close embrace.

What is the distinctive detail of the Vladimir icon?

The visible bare sole of the Christ Child’s foot is one of the main recognizable features of the Vladimir image.

What is the listed size?

The listed size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), a balanced medium format for a home iconostasis or wedding gift.

What materials are used?

The icon is painted on a linden board with linen, chalk gesso, egg tempera, mineral pigments, 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and protective varnish.

Does this icon include chased gold?

Yes. This icon features hand painting on wood with chased gold leaf decoration.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for reconciliation, family peace, protection, healing, the well-being of children, and help in important decisions.

Can this icon be used as a wedding icon?

Yes. The Vladimir Mother of God is a classic choice for a wedding blessing and family prayer.

How should this icon be cared for?

Keep it away from dampness, direct sunlight, smoke, and sudden temperature changes. Dust only with a very soft dry brush.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.