17th Century Icon of the Mother of God "Vladimir"

Period: 17th centurySize: length - 27 cm; width - 22.5 cm; height - 2.0 cm.The icon refers to a copy from the list of the miraculous icon of Vladimir, made in 1520-1525 and named Seliger as a result of a miraculous phenomenon that occurred from it in a monastery of the Tver region on Lake Seliger. She prays to find the path of life, strengthen the strength of the spirit, get rid of enemies.The icon depicts the Child resting his cheek against the cheek of the Mother. On the neck of the Virgin can be seen the baby's fingers. At the same time, the icon conveys a special, affectionate communication between Mother and Child. The left leg of the Child Jesus is bent and the foot, the so-called "heel", is visible.The icon was made according to the canons of the technique of painting icons on wood, but it does not have a reliquary, as the icon was originally intended to have a frame. Its barely noticeable imprints are visible in the corners. It is likely that it was displayed in a frame for cult purposes.There are all the obligatory markings and religious symbols, but there is no seal of the master or workshop, which would indicate that the master came from one of the monasteries in the Nilo-Stolbenskaya desert in Tver province, and this icon is a list made to order. To emphasize the miraculousness of the original, gilding was applied to the icon, which became so famous that a day was established to celebrate it (May 26 and December 7).It is important that the edges of the icon are rough, there are notches from the axe, with which until the 17th century the boards were carved. On the reverse side, there are specific notches on the tree formed after the use of a staple. A wide peg and clasp confirm the ancient age of the icon. In the upper left corner there is a small chipping of paint, revealing gesso and canvas petrified by time.The style of writing is traditional, but attention should be paid to the exceptionally elegant work of the tempra master, complemented by gilding and halos, which are awe-inspiring. Fine details of clothing, hands, face and the gentle smile of the Mother of God, carefully painted, give a sense of warmth of heart emanating from the icon. Magnificently rendered with her tender gaze, she fascinates and attracts the gaze of the beholder and the heart.