Vladimir Mother of God Hand-Painted Icon

Vladimir Mother of God Hand-Painted Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, one of the most beloved images of the Theotokos in the Christian world. The icon belongs to the Eleusa, or Tenderness, type: the Mother of God gently inclines her face toward Christ Child, and their cheeks touch in a deeply prayerful image of love, mercy, and intercession.

Iconography of the Vladimir Mother of God

The Vladimir icon shows the Theotokos holding Christ Child close to her heart. The Child turns toward His Mother, embraces her, and presses His face to hers. This quiet movement makes the image especially intimate and spiritually direct. It speaks not only of maternal love, but also of the Incarnation, the humility of Christ, and the compassionate intercession of the Mother of God.

In this hand-painted version, the figures are set against a warm golden-toned background with a decorative border and inscriptions. The deep red maforion of the Theotokos, the bright garments of Christ, and the calm faces create a balanced image for prayer and long-term devotional use.

History and Veneration

The Vladimir icon of the Mother of God has been venerated for centuries as a protecting and merciful image of the Theotokos. Church tradition connects the icon with ancient Christian memory and with many moments of prayerful appeal in times of danger, sorrow, and uncertainty.

For Orthodox believers, the Vladimir icon is not simply a historical image. It is a prayerful meeting with the Mother of God, who points the human heart toward Christ and intercedes for families, children, homes, and all who ask for help with faith and humility.

Spiritual Meaning

The tenderness of the Vladimir icon gives the image its special strength. The Theotokos is shown in sorrowful love, holding the Savior close while already sensing the path of His saving Passion. Christ Child, while small in form, is shown as the eternal Lord who enters human life for the salvation of the world.

This icon is often chosen for family prayer, protection of the home, comfort in grief, blessing of children, and quiet remembrance of the mercy of the Mother of God. It is suitable for a home icon corner, a chapel, or a parish setting.

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 image is painted in egg tempera and finished with a protective varnish layer. These materials correspond to traditional Orthodox icon-painting practice and give the icon a serious, durable character.

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	Vladimir Mother of God Hand-Painted 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 with protective varnish
Use	Home icon corner, family prayer, chapel, Orthodox gift
Shipping	Free international shipping; payment after receiving

Questions and Answers

What is shown on this Vladimir Mother of God icon?

The icon shows the Theotokos holding Christ Child close to her face in the Vladimir Eleusa type, a composition of tenderness, prayer, and maternal intercession.

Why is the Vladimir icon called an Eleusa icon?

Eleusa means tenderness or mercy. In this iconographic type, the faces of the Mother of God and Christ Child touch closely, expressing love, compassion, and the mystery of the Incarnation.

What is the spiritual meaning of this icon?

The Vladimir Mother of God icon is associated with maternal protection, mercy, intercession, family prayer, and trust in the help of the Theotokos before Christ.

Is this icon suitable for a home icon corner?

Yes. This hand-painted icon is suitable for a home icon corner, bedroom, family prayer space, chapel, parish setting, 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, and a protective varnish finish.

Does this icon have a kovcheg?

Yes. The board is made with a kovcheg, a recessed central area 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 made on a prepared wooden board, not a printed reproduction or mass-produced souvenir.

Can this icon be ordered as a gift?

Yes. It is appropriate as a family icon, a gift for a mother, a house blessing, a wedding gift, a baptism gift, or a personal prayer icon.

How is shipping and payment arranged?

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