Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God — 12th-Century Tretyakov Icon

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God — 12th-Century Tretyakov Icon

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, also known as the Theotokos of Vladimir or Our Lady of Vladimir, is one of the most celebrated icons in Orthodox Christianity and one of the great masterpieces of Byzantine sacred art.

This reproduction is based on the famous 12th-century original preserved at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

Created in Constantinople and brought to Rus' in the 12th century, the icon became one of the most venerated images of the Mother of God in Orthodox history. The Tretyakov Gallery describes it as a shrine brought from Constantinople in the middle of the 12th century.

The Original 12th-Century Vladimir Icon

The historical icon was created in the Byzantine world in the 12th century and brought from Constantinople to Rus'.

In 1155, Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky transferred the icon from the Kiev region to Vladimir, from which it received the name by which it is known today — the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

In 1395 it was brought to Moscow during the advance of Timur (Tamerlane). His subsequent withdrawal became associated in Orthodox tradition with the intercession of the Mother of God.

The ancient icon eventually became one of the most important sacred images in Russian history.

Today the original is preserved at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, in the Church of St Nicholas in Tolmachi associated with the museum.

The Eleusa — Icon of Tenderness

The Vladimir Mother of God is one of the most famous examples of the Eleusa, or Tenderness, iconographic type.

The Christ Child presses His cheek against the face of His Mother and embraces her closely.

A particularly distinctive detail is the visible sole of Christ's foot, which became one of the recognizable features of the Vladimir composition.

The tenderness between Mother and Child is combined with a sense of solemnity. The Theotokos looks outward toward the viewer, while the intimate embrace points toward both the mystery of the Incarnation and Christ's future Passion.

Was the Vladimir Icon Painted by Saint Luke?

Orthodox tradition associates the Vladimir Icon with an image of the Mother of God painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist.

This should be understood as Church tradition rather than a historical attribution of the surviving 12th-century panel itself.

Art-historical study dates the surviving Vladimir icon to the Byzantine world of the 12th century.

A Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God

For centuries, Orthodox Christians have venerated the Vladimir Icon as a miracle-working icon of the Theotokos and have turned to the Mother of God in prayer during times of danger, war and personal hardship.

Its importance, however, extends beyond the history of individual miracles.

The icon became an enduring image of the intercession of the Mother of God, maternal tenderness and the closeness of Christ to humanity, while its extraordinary history connects Byzantine and Eastern European Christian traditions across almost nine centuries.

Our Reproduction of the Tretyakov Icon

This reproduction is based specifically on the famous 12th-century Vladimir Mother of God icon preserved at the Tretyakov Gallery, distinguishing it from later Russian variations of the Vladimir iconography.

We preserve the characteristic composition of the ancient image: the close embrace of the Mother and Child, Christ's arm around His Mother's neck and the distinctive position of His feet.

Each reproduction is produced on a prepared wooden panel and individually hand-finished with natural beeswax in our family workshop in Portugal.

It is suitable for a home prayer corner, church space or as a meaningful Orthodox Christian gift.

FAQ

Where is the original Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God?
The famous 12th-century original is preserved at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, in the Church of St Nicholas in Tolmachi associated with the gallery.

How old is the Vladimir Icon?
The surviving historical icon dates to the 12th century, making it approximately nine centuries old.

Is the Vladimir Icon Byzantine or Russian?
The original was created in the Byzantine world and brought from Constantinople to Rus' in the 12th century. It later became one of the most important icons in Russian Orthodox history. The Tretyakov Gallery likewise describes its Constantinopolitan origin.

What type of icon is Our Lady of Vladimir?
It belongs to the Eleusa (“Tenderness”) iconographic type, characterized by the intimate embrace of the Mother of God and Christ Child.

Is this the original icon?
No. This product is a reproduction of the historic 12th-century Vladimir Icon preserved at the Tretyakov Gallery.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.