TheOldMastersPrintsTheotokos of Vladimir: meaning, location and key facts
Theotokos of Vladimir is a tempera on panel by an anonymous painter, painted in Constantinople in the early 12th century. It measures 104 × 69 cm and is held at the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.
Key facts
| Artist | Anonymous |
|---|---|
| Date | early 12th century |
| Medium | Tempera on panel |
| Dimensions | 104 × 69 cm (height × width) |
| Museum | Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow |
| Style | Byzantine icon |
| Data source | Wikidata (Q546241) · Wikipedia |
What it shows
The Virgin holds the Child, who presses his cheek against hers and puts an arm around her neck. It is the icon type known as Eleousa, or Virgin of Tenderness, which stresses the human bond between mother and son.
It was painted in Constantinople in the early 12th century and reached Kyiv around 1131. In 1155 it went to Vladimir, which gave it its name, and in 1395 to Moscow, where it became the protecting icon of Russia.
Did you know?
- It has been repainted several times; only the faces of the Virgin and Child keep the original paint.
- It is kept in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Tolmachi, part of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.
- It is one of the most venerated religious images in the Orthodox world.
Where to see the original
Theotokos of Vladimir is at the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Works are sometimes lent to exhibitions or taken down for restoration, so it is worth checking the museum’s website before you go.
Which print size to choose
The print keeps the proportions of the original: if they differ from the paper, the painting is centred with a white border and never cropped. More details in our size guide.
| A4 (21 × 29.7 cm) | shelves, desks and gallery walls |
|---|---|
| A3 (29.7 × 42 cm) | bedrooms, hallways and small walls |
Prints are made to order in the Czech Republic and reach the EU in 3 to 8 days, with no customs. Canvases are made in the USA and take about 2 to 3 weeks, with EU VAT included in the price.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Theotokos of Vladimir?
- The original is held at the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.
- How big is Theotokos of Vladimir?
- The original painting measures 104 × 69 cm (height × width).
- Who painted Theotokos of Vladimir and when?
- It is an anonymous icon painted in the early 12th century.
- Can I hang a reproduction of Theotokos of Vladimir at home?
- Yes. The work is in the public domain, so it can be freely reproduced. We offer it as a matte print in A4, A3 (from €18.99) and as a ready-to-hang canvas (from €64.99), with free shipping to the EU.
Updated 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Message us through the shop and we will fix it.
