This icon of the Virgin Mary with her child is drawn from one of the oldest icons in Christendom
- the Virgin of Vladimir which dates back to 12th century Byzantium. According to tradition, the original drawing came
through the hand of St. Luke, who many believe knew the Mother of Jesus personally. The drawing has been faithfully
copied by iconographers throughout the centuries and continues to give testimony to this day. What draws me to
this image is that is manages to capture Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos - Godbearer) who seems to comprehend the mystery
of the incarnation, and yet remains a mother tenderly embracing her child with all the inclination any mother would have to
want to protect him from evil and danger.
These icons are 4 1/2 x 6 1/4. They have been written onto birch panels and each has
a hanger in the back. The predominance of the gold halos (24K Italian gold leaf) in the design make these
icons radiate warmth when they are placed in front of a votive lamp.
