Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Theotokos in the Eleusa, or Tenderness, type. Few icons are as closely connected with Orthodox history, family prayer, and the theme of maternal intercession. The Christ Child presses His cheek to the face of His Mother, while she holds Him close and looks toward the person praying before the icon.

This version of the Vladimir icon is especially rich in gold. The background and fields are fully gilded, and the cherry-brown maphorion of the Mother of God is covered with a dense gold assist pattern, like precious Byzantine brocade. The image unites tender prayer with solemn royal beauty.

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God – Meaning

The Vladimir icon is the summit of the Eleusa type. The word Eleusa means merciful or tender. In this icon, Christ and His Mother are shown in the closest possible nearness: cheek to cheek, with the Child embracing her. The image reveals the love between Mother and Son and, through that love, the compassion of the Mother of God for all who pray to Christ through her intercession.

At the same time, the icon is not sentimental. The face of the Theotokos is filled with inward sorrow. She knows that the Child she holds will go to the Cross. Her gaze is directed not only toward Him, but toward the faithful, inviting repentance, trust, and shared participation in the mystery of salvation.

History and Protection

Orthodox tradition connects the first image of the Mother of God with the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. The Vladimir icon came to Rus from Byzantium in the twelfth century and became one of the most revered sacred images of the land.

The icon received its name after being brought to Vladimir by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. In 1395, during the invasion of Tamerlane, the icon was carried in procession to Moscow. According to tradition, Tamerlane saw a terrifying vision of a radiant Woman commanding him to leave, and he turned back. The Vladimir icon was thereafter venerated as a protector in times of national danger.

Russian church memory also connects the icon with later deliverances from invasion and turmoil, including the events associated with Akhmat in 1480 and Mahmet-Girey in 1521. For many generations, people prayed before this icon for the protection of the homeland, peace, and the preservation of families.

Iconography: Tenderness and the Little Foot

The Christ Child presses His cheek to the face of His Mother and embraces her neck. This gesture expresses complete trust and love. The Mother of God receives Him tenderly, yet her expression remains solemn and sorrowful.

The most recognizable detail of the Vladimir icon is the visible little foot of the Christ Child. His left leg is bent so that the sole of the foot can be seen. This small detail points to the true humanity of Christ, who took on real flesh, and it also quietly foreshadows the Passion, when His feet would be pierced on the Cross.

The Child is clothed in a bright cinnabar-red tunic, fastened with a dark blue belt. Red speaks of royal dignity and the blood of the coming sacrifice. His garment is enriched with gold rays, showing His divine nature and uncreated light.

Gold Assist on the Maphorion

A distinctive feature of this hand-painted icon is the rich gold assist on the garment of the Mother of God. Her maphorion is painted in a deep cherry-brown color, then covered with an intricate network of fine gold lines. The pattern recalls precious Byzantine brocade and emphasizes her heavenly glory, royal dignity, and holiness.

The gold stars on her forehead and shoulder signify her ever-virginity: before, during, and after the Nativity of Christ. A dark blue head covering frames her face beneath the maphorion. The background and fields are fully gilded with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), symbolizing divine light and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Prayer Before the Vladimir Icon

Before the Vladimir icon, Orthodox Christians pray for the protection of the country, peace, deliverance from enemies, and the strengthening of those who bear responsibility for others. On a personal level, the icon is deeply connected with family prayer.

People pray before this image for peace between spouses, reconciliation in the home, help for children, health, healing of eye and heart illnesses, wise decisions, and spiritual clarity. It is also a traditional and meaningful icon for a wedding pair, together with an icon of Christ Pantocrator.

Materials and Technique

This icon is painted by hand in the Mstyora tradition. The base is a seasoned linden board strengthened with oak braces. Linen cloth is applied to the front surface, then covered with layers of natural chalk gesso and polished smooth for painting and gilding.

The image is painted with mineral egg tempera. Natural pigments are ground and mixed with an egg-based emulsion, creating a deep, lasting painted surface. The background and fields are gilded with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and the gold assist on the garments is written by hand with great care.

Available Sizes

Available sizes: 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). Larger church or iconostasis formats may be discussed individually before the icon is made. Free international shipping is included, with payment due upon delivery.

Icon Characteristics

Name	Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God
Icon type	Eleusa / Tenderness
Composition	The Mother of God holding Christ cheek to cheek, with the visible little foot of the Child
Distinctive details	Fully gilded background, dense gold assist on the cherry-brown maphorion, red tunic of Christ with blue belt
Board	Linden wood, linen cloth, natural gesso, oak braces
Painting	Mineral egg tempera
Gold	23K gold leaf (960 purity), gold assist on garments
Available sizes	17×21, 20×24, 27×31, and 30×40 cm
Main prayer themes	Protection, family peace, wedding blessing, help for children, healing, wise decisions

Questions and Answers

What type of icon is the Vladimir Mother of God?

It is the classic Eleusa, or Tenderness, icon, where the Christ Child presses His cheek to His Mother, expressing love, trust, and the sorrowful foreknowledge of the Passion.

How can the Vladimir icon be recognized?

The clearest identifying detail is the visible little foot of the Christ Child. His left leg is bent so the sole of the foot can be seen.

Why is the little foot important?

It points to the true humanity of Christ and quietly foreshadows the Passion, when the feet of the Savior would be pierced on the Cross.

Why is the Vladimir icon important in Orthodox history?

The Vladimir icon is deeply connected with the protection of Rus and later Russia, especially in times of invasion and national danger, including the deliverance from Tamerlane in 1395.

Is this icon suitable for a wedding icon pair?

Yes. The Vladimir Mother of God is one of the most traditional choices for a wedding icon pair together with an icon of Christ Pantocrator.

What is special about this version’s decoration?

This version has a fully gilded background and a dense gold assist pattern over the cherry-brown maphorion, giving the garment a Byzantine brocade-like appearance.

What do the stars on the maphorion mean?

The stars on the garment of the Mother of God signify her ever-virginity: before, during, and after the Nativity of Christ.

What do people pray for before this icon?

People pray for family peace, protection of the home and country, help for children, healing, wise decisions, and strengthening of faith.

What materials are used for this icon?

The icon is painted on a linden board with linen cloth and gesso, mineral egg tempera, 23K gold leaf, and gold assist on the garments.

What sizes are available?

The icon is available in 17×21, 20×24, 27×31, and 30×40 cm. Larger church or iconostasis formats may be discussed individually before the icon is made.