Icon of the Mother of God "Blessed Womb" (The Nursing Mother)
First Half of the 19th Century
With Saints Nicholas the Wonderworker, Samon, Gurias, and Abibus
Museum-Quality Reproduction | Rare Italian-Influenced Iconography
The Icon of the Mother of God "Blessed Womb" (also known as "Womb of Birth," Bargradskaya, Barlovskaya, or Barbarskaya — referring to its origin from the city of Bari, Italy) is a rare and beloved miracle-working image venerated in the Russian Orthodox Church. This icon belongs to the "Mlekopitatelnitsa" (Milk-Giver) iconographic type, depicting the Most Holy Theotokos nursing the Christ Child.
Unique Iconography
The icon shows a distinctive and intimate scene: the Mother of God is seated on the ground upon a cushion, in a posture of maternal tenderness and humility. The Christ Child is pressed close to Her breast, and with His right hand He gently holds it while nursing. This unusual composition reflects Italian Renaissance influence blended with Orthodox tradition. According to art historians Nikodim Kondakov and Nikolai Likhachev, the icon bears features of Italian painting, and its ornamental details suggest it is a copy of an Italian or Dalmatian original from the first third of the 14th century.
On the margins of this 19th-century icon are depicted the attending saints: Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (protector of children and families), and the Holy Martyrs Samon, Gurias, and Abibus (known as protectors of marriage and family life).
Spiritual Significance and Prayers
The "Blessed Womb" icon is especially venerated by mothers and families, as it represents the Theotokos in her most tender maternal role — nourishing the Divine Child who came to nourish the world with the Bread of Life.
Orthodox Christians pray before this icon for:
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Safe childbirth and healthy pregnancy — protection during labor and delivery
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Health of newborn children — the Theotokos's blessing upon infants
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Help with infertility — seeking the Mother of God's intercession for the gift of children
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Successful breastfeeding — nursing mothers seeking blessing and sufficient milk for their babies
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Healing of breast diseases — protection from mastitis and other ailments
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Gynecological health — women's reproductive and maternal health
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Family harmony and peace — the icon is said to grant "spiritual milk" — nourishment for the soul
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Mutual understanding between spouses — resolving family conflicts with gentleness
The icon emphasizes that mothers and infants always receive the strongest protection and shelter from the Virgin Mary, who understands the joys and struggles of motherhood intimately.
A Blessing for Mothers and Families
This icon, reproduced from a precious first-half 19th-century original, is an essential image for:
- Expectant mothers and families awaiting children
- New mothers and nursing mothers
- Women struggling with infertility or maternal health issues
- Families seeking peace, love, and understanding
- Nurseries, maternity hospitals, and homes with young children
Feast Days: December 26 (December 13 Old Style) and on the Sunday of All Saints
May the Most Holy Theotokos "Blessed Womb," who nourished the Savior of the world, bless and protect all mothers and children with her maternal love and heavenly care.
🖼 Product Features
• Printed on durable MDF wood panel
• Mineral pigment inks for long-lasting color
• Sealed with protective beeswax finish
• Ready to hang — includes mounted metal hook
• Handmade by Orthodox Christian artisans
• Lightweight yet solid: board thickness is 1.6 cm (0.6")
📏 Available Sizes
• 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)
🎁 Perfect for
• Orthodox Christian gifts
• Spiritual housewarming gifts
• Prayer corners and devotional altars
• Baptisms, name days, and feast days
🌍 Ships worldwide with secure packaging
Our icons are made by Orthodox craftsmen in Portugal.
We hope it will be a good gift for you and your loved ones.
