Paper-printed, wood-mounted Orthodox Icon.  10 x 14cm.

The 12th century Theotokos (or 'Mother of God') of Vladimir is one of the most venerated Orthodox icons and a typical example of Byzantine hagiography. The Theotokos (Greek term for Virgin Mary) is regarded as the holy protectress of Russia, and the icon is displayed in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Her feast day is June 3. Even more than most famous icons, the original has been copied repeatedly for centuries, and many copies now have considerable artistic and religious significance.

The icon is a version of the Eleusa type, with the Christ child snuggling up to his mother's cheek.