Virgin of Vladimir – Aged Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Aged Lithograph of the Virgin of Vladimir

An exact replica of the original image, crafted on natural pine wood.

The Virgin of Vladimir is depicted holding the Christ Child, gently resting her cheek against His, while He blesses and lovingly gazes at His Mother. The deep emotions and the bond of affection between the two figures are uniquely expressed by the way they intertwine and by the unparalleled expression on the Virgin’s face. A subtle sadness and melancholy are reflected in her gaze, as she knows the impending Passion of her Son.

Virgin of Vladimir: Why is it named so?

According to tradition, the Virgin of Vladimir is a work by the Evangelist Luke. Around 1131 AD, the icon was transferred from Constantinople to Kiev as a wedding gift from Patriarch John IX of Constantinople to the Grand Prince of Kiev, Yuri Vladimirovich.

In 1155 AD, the icon was transferred to the city of Vladimir, and from there to Moscow in 1395. It was placed in the Kremlin, where Patriarchs were proclaimed and Tsars were crowned in front of it.

In the 15th century, the people of the city of Vladimir demanded the return of the icon to their city. Instead of the original, they were given a copy of the icon, which was created by the great Russian iconographer Andrei Rublev.

The icon of the Virgin of Vladimir is celebrated annually in Russia on June 3rd (May 21st according to the Church of Greece).

Lithograph – Features

The technique of lithography is taught in the iconography workshops of Mount Athos and is also used by several monks to create exceptional works of art. In this case, the monk-artist used a lithographed copy of Byzantine art and created this piece by following the traditional method of handmade aging. He thus produced a magnificent work with unique aesthetic value. The wood has been treated with the appropriate materials to ensure great durability of the colors over time.

The image is available upon request

Origin: Mount Athos

Dimensions: 20 x 35 x 2 cm