The Vladimir Icon of the Theotokos: history

The icon was painted in Constantinople in the first third of the 12th century and sent to Kiev c. 1130s. In 1155 Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky took it to Vladimir, where it became the chief holy object of the principality.

In 1395 the icon was brought to Moscow during Tamerlane's invasion; the Church linked his retreat with the intercession of the Theotokos (feast on 26 August Old Style). Two further feasts commemorate the events of 1480 and 1521. Until 1918 the icon stood in the Dormition Cathedral of the Kremlin.

Since 1930 in the Tretyakov Gallery; since 1999 in the Church of St Nicholas in Tolmachi at the gallery, where it is available both for prayer and for museum conservation. Of the ancient painting the faces of the Mother and Child survive.