Unknown
Russian

The Virgin of Vladimir, 1600-1700 ca.
egg tempera on wood, silver gilded revetment
12 x 10 x 1 in.

SBMA, Gift of Barbara Last, Evelyn B. Thompson, Sarah B. Griswold and Robert F. Boggs in memory of Barbara Field Benzigner
1985.38.2

COMMENTS

This icon is a copy of the most venerated icon in Russia, the 12th century Vladimir Mother of God or the Virgin of Tenderness. The original was painted c. 1130 in Constantinople and sent to Kiev. In 1153 it was taken north by Duke Andrei Bogolyubski to the town of Vladimir from which it derived its title. A number of miracles were association with the icon and it was copied may times, even by Andre Rublëv.

This version shows the tenderness of the Mother of God towards her Child. The Child embraces His mother and presses His cheek against hers. She, in turn, looks out at the observer with a hint of sadness. This expression has been explained as a premonition of the future suffering of her Son on the Cross. The decorative stars on her robe (Maphorion) stand for her perpetual virginity.

- Robert Henning, Jr., "Russian Icons in Santa Barbara," Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1982

Bibliography

Aptov, M.V., Early Russian Icon Painting, Moscow, 1974, Pl. 118.

SBMA CURATORIAL LABELS

This panel's metal cover is inscribed "Jesus Christ", "Mother of God" and "of Vladimir". The "Virgin of Vladimir" is an icon brought from Constantinople (now Istanbul) in the twelfth century and known to have helped countless Russian in their prayers. Its fame resulted in the production of numerous replicas, such as the present one.

- Religious Images of the Christian East, 2013