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Mother of God of Vladimir (Russia, 17th century) School of Saint Petersburg Egg yolk tempera on wood, with gold background 28 x 24 cm The icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir is among the best known in the Western World. It’s one of the oldest icons of the type Eleousa, to which also belong the «Virgin of Tenderness», the «Tender Mercy», the «Merciful Love», and the «Loving Kindness». The icon can be recognized by the arm of the Child around the neck of the mother. The face of the Virgin that is looking towards us is full of warmth and human comprehension, but also with deep sadness. The icon of the Holy Virgin of Vladimir is known in Russia since 1131 when she was taken from Constantinople to Kiev. In 1155, prince Andrei Bogolioubski took off to the North to found a new capital, Vladimir, and he took with him the icon from Kiev, captivated by its splendor. It was in that period that the icon started to work miracles and attracted large numbers of faithful. In 1395, the icon was transported to Moscow. Up to three times when threatened by an invasion from the East, according to the legend, Moscow was saved by a miraculous intervention involving the icon. References: Maria Donadeo, Icônes mariales russes, 1990, p. 11. Egon Sendler S.J., Les icônes byzantines de la Mère de Dieu, 1992, pp. 83-164.