Mother of God of Vladimir
The Mother of God and Child touch cheeks in an Eleousa, or tenderness, composition. The image directs attention to the reality of the Son's human relationship with his Mother.
Key points
- Observe the cheek-to-cheek embrace and the Child's arm around Mary.
- Tenderness is expressed through a concrete human relationship, not an abstract diagram.
- The old icon has a long history of restoration and custody; do not confuse its traditional story with proof of apostolic authorship.
