Vladimir Icon of Virgin Mary

Vladimir Icon of Virgin Mary is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Mother of God in the tender Eleusa type. Unlike more ceremonial icons with dense gold decoration, this version is restrained and deeply intimate: warm ocher-olive tones, dark brown margins, a fine red outline, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity) halos draw attention to the faces of the Theotokos and Christ.

The Vladimir icon is one of the most beloved images of the Virgin Mary in Orthodox tradition. Its meaning is not only historical, but personal: it speaks of maternal love, divine compassion, prayer for family unity, and the sorrowful foreknowledge of Christ’s saving Passion.

The Spiritual Heart of the Vladimir Icon

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is closely connected with the history of Rus’ and with many moments of deliverance and prayer. Tradition relates the image to the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, and later history remembers its journey from Byzantium to the lands of Rus’ in the twelfth century.

In 1155, Prince Andrew Bogolyubsky took the icon northward. Near Vladimir, the horses carrying the icon stopped and would not move farther. After prayer, the Mother of God appeared and commanded that her image remain in Vladimir. From that time the icon became known as the Vladimir Mother of God.

The icon was especially revered as a protectress in times of danger. One of the best-known memories is the deliverance of Moscow during the invasion of Tamerlane in 1395, when the faithful received the icon with tears and prayer.

Eleusa: Tender Mercy

The Vladimir icon belongs to the Eleusa type, often translated as Tender Mercy. Christ presses His cheek to the cheek of the Mother of God, and His small arm embraces her neck.

This gesture is tender, but it is not sentimental. It expresses the mystery of the Incarnation: true divine love entering human life, and the inseparable bond between Christ and the Church.

The Theotokos does not look only at her Son. She looks toward the one who prays before the icon. Her gaze is quiet, sorrowful, and compassionate, as if she already sees the Cross and yet accepts the will of God in humility.

The Bare Foot of the Christ Child

One of the identifying details of the Vladimir icon is the bent leg of the Christ Child, with the bare little foot visible beneath the garment. This detail helps distinguish the Vladimir image from other Eleusa icons.

In the language of Orthodox iconography, such details are never accidental. The exposed foot gives the image a striking human tenderness while keeping the theological depth of the composition intact.

Prayer Before the Vladimir Mother of God

Orthodox Christians pray before the Vladimir icon for peace, protection from enemies, healing, reconciliation, the softening of hardened hearts, and deliverance from conflict.

The icon is also loved as a wedding and family icon. It is often chosen, together with an icon of Christ, to bless a married couple and to pray for love, faithfulness, mutual understanding, and the gift and health of children.

Warm Painted Background and Gold Halos

This version is painted on a smooth warm background rather than a fully gilded field. The ocher-olive inner space and darker brown margins create a quiet, domestic feeling suitable for a home icon corner or a wedding pair.

The halos of the Mother of God and Christ are covered with 23K gold leaf (960 purity). Because the gold is concentrated in the halos, the viewer’s attention remains focused on the faces and the tender embrace at the center of the icon.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Care

The icon is painted on a linden board with a traditional kovcheg, linen, and natural chalk gesso. Oak splines are inserted into the back of the board to help preserve its shape over time.

The image is painted in egg tempera with natural mineral pigments. The halos are gilded with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and the finished icon should be protected from moisture, heat, and cleaning chemicals.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The icon is available in several sizes, with larger church and iconostasis formats possible by agreement. Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What is the Vladimir Icon of the Virgin Mary?

It is one of the most revered Orthodox icons of the Theotokos, known for the Eleusa or Tender Mercy composition.

What does Eleusa mean?

Eleusa means Tender Mercy. In this icon type, Christ presses His cheek to the cheek of the Mother of God, expressing love, compassion, and unity.

How can the Vladimir icon be recognized?

A key detail is the bent leg of Christ with the bare little foot visible beneath His garment, together with the close cheek-to-cheek embrace.

Why does the Mother of God look toward the viewer?

Her gaze carries both maternal tenderness and sorrowful foreknowledge of the Passion of Christ, inviting the faithful into prayer.

Why is this icon often used as a wedding icon?

The Vladimir icon is associated with love, family unity, mutual care, and blessing in marriage, especially when paired with an icon of Christ.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for peace, protection from enemies, healing, reconciliation, a blessed marriage, and the gift and health of children.

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 the artistic style of this version?

This version has a warm ocher-olive painted background, dark brown margins with a red line, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity) halos.

How should the icon be cared for?

It should not be washed, polished, 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.