Jump to content

Virgin of Vladimir: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
altering lead to fix concerns
m Filled in 0 bare reference(s) with reFill 2
(11 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
As a work of art, the icon is dated to the earlier part of the 12th century dated sometime shortly before its arrival in Rus around 1131. This is consistent with the account given in the [[Complete Collection of Russian Chronicles|chronicles]].<ref name="auto4">{{harvp|Weitzmann|1982|p=17}}.</ref><ref name="auto1">{{harvp|Tretyakov Guide|2000|p=280}}.</ref><ref name="auto">{{harvp|Runciman|1975|p=154}}.</ref><ref name="auto3">{{harvp|Miller|1968|p=658}}.</ref> Similar to other high quality [[Byzantine art|Byzantine works of art]], it is thought to have been painted in Constantinople.<ref name="auto3" /><ref name=":2">{{harvp|Funk & Wagnalls|2018|loc=database}}.</ref><ref name="auto2">{{harvp|Rice|1946|p=89}}.</ref> Only the faces and hands are original, with the clothes repainted after suffering damage when a metal cover or [[riza]] was placed over them<ref name="auto4" /><ref name="auto3"/> and in a fire in 1195.<ref name="auto3" /><ref name="auto" />
As a work of art, the icon is dated to the earlier part of the 12th century dated sometime shortly before its arrival in Rus around 1131. This is consistent with the account given in the [[Complete Collection of Russian Chronicles|chronicles]].<ref name="auto4">{{harvp|Weitzmann|1982|p=17}}.</ref><ref name="auto1">{{harvp|Tretyakov Guide|2000|p=280}}.</ref><ref name="auto">{{harvp|Runciman|1975|p=154}}.</ref><ref name="auto3">{{harvp|Miller|1968|p=658}}.</ref> Similar to other high quality [[Byzantine art|Byzantine works of art]], it is thought to have been painted in Constantinople.<ref name="auto3" /><ref name=":2">{{harvp|Funk & Wagnalls|2018|loc=database}}.</ref><ref name="auto2">{{harvp|Rice|1946|p=89}}.</ref> Only the faces and hands are original, with the clothes repainted after suffering damage when a metal cover or [[riza]] was placed over them<ref name="auto4" /><ref name="auto3"/> and in a fire in 1195.<ref name="auto3" /><ref name="auto" />


About 1131 the Greek [[Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople|Patriarch of Constantinople]] sent the icon as a gift to Grand Duke [[Yuri Dolgorukiy]] of Kiev. The image was kept in a monastery until Dolgorukiy's son, [[Andrey Bogolyubsky]], brought it to Vladimir in 1155. In 1169, [[Andrey Bogolyubsky]] sacked [[Kiev]]. After plundering the city, he stole much religious artwork, including a Byzantine "Mother of God" icon which was transferred to Vladimir.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=660–661}}.</ref>
About 1131 the Greek [[Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople|Patriarch of Constantinople]] sent the icon as a gift to Grand Duke [[Yuri Dolgorukiy]] of Kiev.<ref name="Miller01">{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=660–661}}.</ref> Academic Sona Hoisington attributes this in part to a greater effort by Byzantines to convert and christanize the Slavic peoples at the time.<ref>{{harvp|Hoisington|2019|loc=database}}.</ref> The image was kept in a monastery until Dolgorukiy's son, [[Andrey Bogolyubsky]], brought it to Vladimir in 1155. In 1169, Andrey Bogolyubsky sacked Kiev. After plundering the city, he stole much religious artwork, including a Byzantine "Mother of God" icon which was transferred to Vladimir.<ref name="Miller01"/>


Tradition tells that the horses transporting the icon stopped near Vladimir and refused to go further. People interpreted this as a sign that the ''Theotokos'' wanted her icon to stay in Vladimir. To house the icon, the [[Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir|Assumption Cathedral]] was built, soon followed by other churches dedicated to the Virgin. The presence of the icon did not prevent the sack and burning of the city by the Mongols in 1238, when the icon was damaged by fire, though. It was first restored after this, and again before 1431 and in 1512.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=658–659}}.</ref><ref name=":0" />
Tradition tells that the horses transporting the icon stopped near Vladimir and refused to go further. People interpreted this as a sign that the ''[[Theotokos|Theotokos{{Efn|[[Greek language|Greek]] for [[Virgin Mary]], literally meaning "Birth-Giver of God"}}]]'' wanted her icon to stay in Vladimir. To house the icon, the [[Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir|Assumption Cathedral]] was built, soon followed by other churches dedicated to the Virgin. The presence of the icon did not prevent the sack and burning of the city by the Mongols in 1238, when the icon was damaged by fire, though. It was first restored after this, and again before 1431 and in 1512.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=658–659}}.</ref><ref name=":0" />


== Legends ==
== Legends ==
Line 22: Line 22:
However, David Miller suggests that the icon was in fact normally still in Vladimir, with some excursions to Moscow, until the 1520s, and that crediting the icon with saving Moscow in 1395 does not appear in sources until the late 15th century, and the full version of the story until accounts of 1512 and then the 1560s.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=659–660}}.</ref> There is less doubt that, by at least the 16th century, the ''Vladimirskaya'' was a thing of legend and associated with the growth of Russian national consciousness based on the Muscovite state.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=669–670}}.</ref>
However, David Miller suggests that the icon was in fact normally still in Vladimir, with some excursions to Moscow, until the 1520s, and that crediting the icon with saving Moscow in 1395 does not appear in sources until the late 15th century, and the full version of the story until accounts of 1512 and then the 1560s.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=659–660}}.</ref> There is less doubt that, by at least the 16th century, the ''Vladimirskaya'' was a thing of legend and associated with the growth of Russian national consciousness based on the Muscovite state.<ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|pp=669–670}}.</ref>


Under the [[Religion in the Soviet Union|rule of the Bolsheviks]], the icon came under control of the [[Tretyakov Gallery|State Tretyakov Gallery]] where it was stored as a simple art piece.<ref name=":3">{{harvp|Averintsev|1994|p=613}}.</ref>
Under the [[Religion in the Soviet Union|rule of the Bolsheviks]], the icon came under control of the [[Tretyakov Gallery|State Tretyakov Gallery]] where it was stored as a simple art piece.<ref name=":3">{{harvp|Averintsev|1994|p=613}}.</ref> In 1993, Our Lady of Vladimir was taken to [[Yelokhovo Cathedral|Epiphany Cathedral]] for a religious service in the wake of tensions between President [[Boris Yeltsin]] and the [[State Duma|Russian Duma]]. Though it was damaged during the excursion, it was soon restored and given to the [[Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi]].<ref name="RussianLife2019">{{harvp|Russian Life|1999|p=8}}.</ref><ref>{{harvp|The Economist|1993|pp=109–110}}.</ref>


== Location and display ==
== Location and display ==
Line 34: Line 34:
| caption2 = Our Lady of Vladimir on display within the church
| caption2 = Our Lady of Vladimir on display within the church
}}
}}
Our Lady of of Vladimir is on display at the [[Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi]].<ref>{{harvp|Tretyakov Guide|2000|pp=278–280}}.</ref><ref name=":4">
Our Lady of of Vladimir is on display at the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi.<ref>{{harvp|Tretyakov Guide|2000|pp=278–280}}.</ref><ref name=":4">
{{harvp|Pravda|2019|loc=online}}.</ref> As a result of an agreement between the Tretyakov Gallery and [[Russian Orthodox Church|Moscow Patriarchate]], the church is both an active Russian Orthodox [[House church (Russia)|house church]] and functioning museum. In 1997, the [[Tretyakov Gallery]] a full restoration of the church was completed.<ref name=":0" /> Security improvements to store and display art were added during this process, and an underground passageway was additionally made to connect it to the State Tretyakov Gallery.<ref>{{harvp|Insight Guides|2016|pp=99–100}}.</ref>
{{harvp|Pravda|2019|loc=online}}.</ref> As a result of an agreement between the Tretyakov Gallery and [[Russian Orthodox Church|Moscow Patriarchate]], the church is both an active Russian Orthodox [[House church (Russia)|house church]] and functioning museum. In 1997, the [[Tretyakov Gallery]] a full restoration of the church was completed.<ref name=":0" /> Security improvements to store and display art were added during this process, and an underground passageway was additionally made to connect it to the State Tretyakov Gallery.<ref>{{harvp|Insight Guides|2016|pp=99–100}}.</ref>


Line 42: Line 42:


== Description and reverence ==
== Description and reverence ==
The icon is generally considered to be one of the most cherished symbols in Russian history.<ref name="auto6" /><ref>{{harvp|Nouwen|1985|p=387}}.</ref><ref>{{harvp|Jackson|1995|p=344}}.</ref> Even more than most, the original icon has been repeatedly duplicated for centuries, and many copies have considerable artistic and religious significance of their own.<ref>{{harvp|Evans|2004|pp=164–165}}.</ref>
The icon is generally considered to be one of the most cherished symbols in Russian history.<ref name="RussianLife2019" /><ref>{{harvp|Nouwen|1985|p=387}}.</ref><ref>{{harvp|Jackson|1995|p=344}}.</ref> Even more than most, the original icon has been repeatedly duplicated for centuries, and many copies have considerable artistic and religious significance of their own.<ref>{{harvp|Evans|2004|pp=164–165}}.</ref>


=== As an artistic work ===
Despite the icon's outsized significance as a religious icon, the artistic quality of the work has also won it praise. According to the art historian [[David Talbot Rice]], "[Our Lady of Vladimir] ...is admitted by all who have seen it to be one of the most outstanding religious paintings of the world."<ref name="auto2" /> The work shows a humanity and tenderness new to [[Byzantine art]] during the reigning [[Byzantine Empire under the Komnenos dynasty|Komnenos dynasty]].<ref name="auto" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="auto2" /> The icon of the Theotokos of Vladimir is sometimes described as expressing universal feelings of motherly love and anxiety for her child.<ref>{{harvp|Nouwen|1985|p=388}}.</ref><ref>{{harvp|Averintsev|1994|pp=613–614}}.</ref> The reverse of the icon, which is much less well known, has a 15th-century image of the "Prepared Table", a [[Hetoimasia]] with the [[Arma Christi|Instruments of the Passion]] and other symbols.<ref name="auto1" />
Despite the icon's outsized significance as a religious icon, the artistic quality of the work has also won it praise. According to the art historian [[David Talbot Rice]], "[Our Lady of Vladimir] ...is admitted by all who have seen it to be one of the most outstanding religious paintings of the world."<ref name="auto2" /> The work shows a humanity and tenderness new to [[Byzantine art]] during the reigning [[Byzantine Empire under the Komnenos dynasty|Komnenos dynasty]].<ref name="auto" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="auto2" /> Throughout the centuries of its existence, the icon has been overpainted at least five times.<ref>{{harvp|Elkins|1993|loc=database}}.</ref>

The painting depicts [[Jesus Christ]] as a baby with his cheek pressed again the Virgin Mary. One of Christ's arms is wrapped around her neck.<ref>{{harvp|The Economist|1993|p=109}}.</ref> The two figures are in a visibly tender embrace.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{harvp|Nouwen|1985|p=389}}.</ref> With one hand, Mary supports her the child; while the other hand "remains free in an open gesture of invitation."<ref>{{harvp|Nouwen|1985|p=388}}.</ref>

The icon of the Theotokos of Vladimir is sometimes described as expressing universal feelings of motherly love and anxiety for her child.<ref name="Nouwen-eyes">{{harvp|Nouwen|1985|pp=387–388}}.</ref><ref>{{harvp|Averintsev|1994|pp=613–614}}.</ref> Noticeably, Mary's eyes do not look at her child.<ref name="Nouwen-eyes" /><ref name="Bridges-1997">{{harvp|Bridges|1997|loc=database}}.</ref> [[Linda Bridges]] writing for the ''[[National Review]]'' described the phenomenon as, "Our Lady of Vladimir is a Virgin of Tenderness; but she cannot bear to look at her Child, and her eyes are dark with misery."<ref name="Bridges-1997" />

The reverse of the icon, which is much less well known, has a 15th-century image of the "Prepared Table", a [[Hetoimasia]] with the [[Arma Christi|Instruments of the Passion]] and other symbols.<ref name="auto1" />

=== As a religious icon ===
⚫
Our Lady of Vladimir's veneration is likely enhanced by the fact that the ''Theotokos'' is regarded as the holy protectress of Russia.<ref name="Phillips2011">{{harvp|Phillips|2011|loc=database}}.</ref> The venerated image has been used in celebration of coronations of tsars, elections of patriarchs, and other important ceremonies of state.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="Phillips2011" /><ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|p=657}}.</ref>


The icon has three [[Calendar of saints|feast days]] held throughout the year in celebration to specific events it is associated with:<ref name="auto6" />
The icon has three [[Calendar of saints|feast days]] held throughout the year in celebration to specific events it is associated with:<ref name="auto6" />
Line 51: Line 61:
*{{OldStyleDateNY|6 July|23 June}} for, in 1480, for their victory against [[Ahmed Khan bin Küchük|Khan Ahmed]] during the [[Great Stand on the Ugra River]].
*{{OldStyleDateNY|6 July|23 June}} for, in 1480, for their victory against [[Ahmed Khan bin Küchük|Khan Ahmed]] during the [[Great Stand on the Ugra River]].
*{{OldStyleDateNY|13 September|26 August}} to commemorate the Muscovite deliverance from pending invasion by [[Timur|Tamerlane]].<ref>{{harvp|OCA|2016|loc=online}}.</ref>
*{{OldStyleDateNY|13 September|26 August}} to commemorate the Muscovite deliverance from pending invasion by [[Timur|Tamerlane]].<ref>{{harvp|OCA|2016|loc=online}}.</ref>

⚫
The venerated image has been used in celebration of coronations of tsars, elections of patriarchs, and other important ceremonies of state.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{harvp|Miller|1968|p=657}}.</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 70: Line 78:
* {{cite journal |last1=Averintsev |first1=Sergej S. |title=The Image of the Virgin Mary in Russian Piety |journal=Gregorianum |date=1994 |volume=75 |issue=4 |pages=611–622 |jstor=23579744 |publisher=Gregorian Biblical Press |language=en |issn=0017-4114|ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Averintsev |first1=Sergej S. |title=The Image of the Virgin Mary in Russian Piety |journal=Gregorianum |date=1994 |volume=75 |issue=4 |pages=611–622 |jstor=23579744 |publisher=Gregorian Biblical Press |language=en |issn=0017-4114|ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Beliaev |first1=Leonid A. |title=Mystery Monasteries |journal=Archaeology |date=July–August 1997 |volume=50 |issue=4 |pages=36–38 |jstor=41658720 |publisher=Archaeological Institute of America |language=en |issn=0003-8113 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Beliaev |first1=Leonid A. |title=Mystery Monasteries |journal=Archaeology |date=July–August 1997 |volume=50 |issue=4 |pages=36–38 |jstor=41658720 |publisher=Archaeological Institute of America |language=en |issn=0003-8113 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite news |last1=Bridges |first1=Linda |title=The beauty of truth |work=National Review |volume=49 |issue=9 |publisher=National Review, Inc. |date=19 May 1997 |ref=harv |pages=58+ |type=Column |id=[[Gale (publisher)|GALE]] [http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A19427232/GPS?u=20300&sid=GPS&xid=1d47ff37 A19427232] |language=en}}
*{{cite book|title=Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia|last=|first=|publisher=World Book, Inc.|year=2018|location=Chicago|language=en|chapter=Byzantine Art and Architecture|id=[[EBSCO Information Services|EBSCOhost]] [http://search.ebscohost.com.mxcc.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=funk&AN=by218900&site=ehost-live by218900]|ref={{SfnRef|Funk & Wagnalls|2018}}}}
* {{cite book|title=Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia|last=|first=|publisher=World Book, Inc.|year=2018|location=Chicago|language=en|chapter=Byzantine Art and Architecture|id=[[EBSCO Information Services|EBSCOhost]] [http://search.ebscohost.com.mxcc.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=funk&AN=by218900&site=ehost-live by218900]|ref={{SfnRef|Funk & Wagnalls|2018}}}}
*{{cite web|url=https://oca.org/saints/lives/2016/08/26/102402-commemoration-of-the-vladimir-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-and-the|title=Commemoration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane|last=|first=|date=26 August 2016|website=oca.org|publisher=The Orthodox Church in America|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-15|ref={{SfnRef|OCA|2016}}}}
* {{cite web|url=https://oca.org/saints/lives/2016/08/26/102402-commemoration-of-the-vladimir-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-and-the|title=Commemoration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane|last=|first=|date=26 August 2016|website=oca.org|publisher=The Orthodox Church in America|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-15|ref={{SfnRef|OCA|2016}}}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Elkins |first1=James |title=From original to copy and back again |journal=link.galegroup.com |date=1 April 1993 |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=113+ |ref=harv |publisher=Oxford University Press |language=en |issn=0007-0904 |id=[[Gale (publisher)|GALE]] [http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A13772791/GPS?u=20300&sid=GPS&xid=8c0d7125 A13772791]}}
* {{cite book|title=Byzantium, Faith and Power (1261-1557)|date=2004|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art/Yale University Press|isbn=978-1588391148|editor1-last=Evans|editor1-first=Helen C.|language=en|oclc=893698628|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|title=Byzantium, Faith and Power (1261-1557)|date=2004|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art/Yale University Press|isbn=978-1588391148|editor1-last=Evans|editor1-first=Helen C.|language=en|oclc=893698628|ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Hoisington |first1=Sona |title=The Middle Period |journal=Dig Into History |date=1 March 2019 |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=20+ |ref=harv |publisher=Cricket Media |language=en |issn=1539-7130 |id=[[Gale (publisher)|GALE]] [http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A581990256/GPS?u=20300&sid=GPS&xid=786d113d A581990256]}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oRZ3DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT99&lpg=PT99|title=Insight Guides Pocket Moscow (Travel Guide eBook)|date=2016|publisher=Apa Publications (UK) Limited|isbn=9781786716774|language=en|accessdate=9 August 2019|ref={{SfnRef|Insight Guides|2016}}}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oRZ3DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT99&lpg=PT99|title=Insight Guides Pocket Moscow (Travel Guide eBook)|date=2016|publisher=Apa Publications (UK) Limited|isbn=9781786716774|language=en|accessdate=9 August 2019|ref={{SfnRef|Insight Guides|2016}}}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Jackson |first1=David |title=The State Tretyakov Gallery. Moscow |journal=The Burlington Magazine |date=May 1995 |volume=137 |issue=1106 |pages=342–344 |publisher=Burlington Magazine Publications Ltd. |language=en |type=Review |issn=0007-6287 |ref=harv |jstor=886644}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Jackson |first1=David |title=The State Tretyakov Gallery. Moscow |journal=The Burlington Magazine |date=May 1995 |volume=137 |issue=1106 |pages=342–344 |publisher=Burlington Magazine Publications Ltd. |language=en |type=Review |issn=0007-6287 |ref=harv |jstor=886644}}
*{{cite book|title=State Tretyakov Gallery|date=1 January 2000|publisher=Avant-Garde|isbn=978-5863941066|editor1-last=Kirdina|editor1-first=N.|edition=2nd rev|location=Moscow|language=fr|translator-last=Cook|translator-first=K. M.|type=Guidebook|oclc=54071928|ol=9058828M|ref={{SfnRef|Tretyakov Guide|2000}}}}
* {{cite book|title=State Tretyakov Gallery|date=1 January 2000|publisher=Avant-Garde|isbn=978-5863941066|editor1-last=Kirdina|editor1-first=N.|edition=2nd rev|location=Moscow|language=fr|translator-last=Cook|translator-first=K. M.|type=Guidebook|oclc=54071928|ol=9058828M|ref={{SfnRef|Tretyakov Guide|2000}}}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.pravoslavie.ru/2753.html|title=Xрам Святого Николая Чудотворца В Толмачах|last1=Lebedeva|first1=Elena|date=18 December 2006|website=pravoslavie.ru|language=ru|trans-title=Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Tolmachi|ref=harv|access-date=11 August 2019}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.pravoslavie.ru/2753.html|title=Xрам Святого Николая Чудотворца В Толмачах|last1=Lebedeva|first1=Elena|date=18 December 2006|website=pravoslavie.ru|language=ru|trans-title=Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Tolmachi|ref=harv|access-date=11 August 2019}}
*{{cite book|title=The Icon|last1=Matakieva|first1=Teofana|date=1982|publisher=Evans Brothers Ltd|isbn=0237456451|location=London|language=en|translator-last1=Weitzmann|translator-first1=Kurt|ref={{SfnRef|Weitzmann|1982}}}}
* {{cite book|title=The Icon|last1=Matakieva|first1=Teofana|date=1982|publisher=Evans Brothers Ltd|isbn=0237456451|location=London|language=en|translator-last1=Weitzmann|translator-first1=Kurt|ref={{SfnRef|Weitzmann|1982}}}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=David B.|date=October 1968|title=Legends of the Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir: A Study of the Development of Muscovite National Consciousness|journal=Speculum|language=en|publisher=Medieval Academy of America|volume=43|issue=4|pages=657–670|doi=10.2307/2855325|issn=0038-7134|ref=harv|jstor=2855325}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=David B.|date=October 1968|title=Legends of the Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir: A Study of the Development of Muscovite National Consciousness|journal=Speculum|language=en|publisher=Medieval Academy of America|volume=43|issue=4|pages=657–670|doi=10.2307/2855325|issn=0038-7134|ref=harv|jstor=2855325}}
* {{cite journal|last=Nouwen|first=Henri J. M.|date=11 May 1985|title=The Icon of the Virgin of Vladimir: An Invitation to Belong to God|url=|journal=America|language=en|publisher=America Media|volume=152|issue=18|pages=387–390|issn=0002-7049|id=[[EBSCO Information Services|EBSCOhost]] [http://search.ebscohost.com.mxcc.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mfi&AN=35621166&site=ehost-live 35621166]|ref=harv}}
* {{cite journal|last=Nouwen|first=Henri J. M.|date=11 May 1985|title=The Icon of the Virgin of Vladimir: An Invitation to Belong to God|url=|journal=America|language=en|publisher=America Media|volume=152|issue=18|pages=387–390|issn=0002-7049|id=[[EBSCO Information Services|EBSCOhost]] [http://search.ebscohost.com.mxcc.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mfi&AN=35621166&site=ehost-live 35621166]|ref=harv}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.ap22.ru/paper/O-chem-molyatsya-Vladimirskoy-ikone-Bozhiey-Materi.html|title=О чем молятся Владимирской иконе Божией Матери|last=|first=|date=3 June 2019|website=www.ap22.ru|publisher=Pravda|language=ru|trans-title=About prayer for the Vladimir icon of the Mother of God|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-11|ref={{SfnRef|Pravda|2019}}}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.ap22.ru/paper/O-chem-molyatsya-Vladimirskoy-ikone-Bozhiey-Materi.html|title=О чем молятся Владимирской иконе Божией Матери|last=|first=|date=3 June 2019|website=www.ap22.ru|publisher=Pravda|language=ru|trans-title=About prayer for the Vladimir icon of the Mother of God|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-11|ref={{SfnRef|Pravda|2019}}}}
* {{cite journal |title=Our Lady at Rest |journal=Russian Life |date=August-September 1999 |volume=42 |issue=5 |page=8 |publisher=Russian Information Services, Inc. |location=Montpelier, Vermont |language=en |issn=1066-999X |id=[[Gale (publisher)|GALE]] [http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A58065134/GPS?u=20300&sid=GPS&xid=b37e3956 A58065134]|ref={{SfnRef|Russian Life|1999}}}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Phillips |first1=Peter |title=Band of gold: the historic towns north-east of Moscow give a beautiful glimpse into the dawn of Russian civilisation |journal=Spectator |date=25 June 2011 |volume=316 |issue=9539 |pages=59+ |ref=harv |publisher=The Spectator Ltd. |location=London |language=en |issn=0038-6952 |id=[[Gale (publisher)|GALE]] [http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A259961864/GPS?u=20300&sid=GPS&xid=13486ff4 A259961864]}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Rice|first1=D. Talbot|date=April 1946|title=The Greek Exhibition at Burlington House|journal=The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs|language=en|volume=88|issue=517|pages=86–90|issn=0951-0788|ref=harv|jstor=869212}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Rice|first1=D. Talbot|date=April 1946|title=The Greek Exhibition at Burlington House|journal=The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs|language=en|volume=88|issue=517|pages=86–90|issn=0951-0788|ref=harv|jstor=869212}}
* {{cite book|title=Byzantine Style and Civilization|last1=Runciman|first1=Steven|date=1975|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0140137545|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book|title=Byzantine Style and Civilization|last1=Runciman|first1=Steven|date=1975|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0140137545|ref=harv}}
* <!--* {{cite book|url=|title=Orthodox Encyclopedia|last1=Vakhrina|first1=V.I.|last2=Schennikova|first2=L.A.|publisher=Church Research Center|year=2005|isbn=5-89572-015-3|volume=9|location=M.|pages=8—38|language=ru|chapter=Владимирская икона Божией Матери|trans-chapter=Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God|chapter-url=http://www.pravenc.ru/text/178896.html|title-link=Orthodox Encyclopedia|ref=harv}}-->{{cite news|url=http://e-vestnik.ru/interviews/tretyakovka_priglashaet_v_hram/|title=Третьяковка приглашает... в храм/Интервью/ЖМПиЦВ|last1=Strelchik|first1=Evgeny|date=12 December 2012|work=Tserkovny Vestnik|accessdate=12 August 2019|language=ru|type=Interview|ref=harv}}
<!--* {{cite book|url=|title=Orthodox Encyclopedia|last1=Vakhrina|first1=V.I.|last2=Schennikova|first2=L.A.|publisher=Church Research Center|year=2005|isbn=5-89572-015-3|volume=9|location=M.|pages=8—38|language=ru|chapter=Владимирская икона Божией Матери|trans-chapter=Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God|chapter-url=http://www.pravenc.ru/text/178896.html|title-link=Orthodox Encyclopedia|ref=harv}}-->
* {{cite news|url=http://e-vestnik.ru/interviews/tretyakovka_priglashaet_v_hram/|title=Третьяковка приглашает... в храм/Интервью/ЖМПиЦВ|last1=Strelchik|first1=Evgeny|date=12 December 2012|work=Tserkovny Vestnik|accessdate=12 August 2019|language=ru|type=Interview|ref=harv}}
* {{cite news|title=The resurrection of holy Russia|work=The Economist|volume=329|issue=7834|publisher=Economist Intelligence Unit N.A. Incorporated|date=23 October 1993|ref={{SfnRef|The Economist|1993}}|pages=109–110|language=en|id=[[Gale (publisher)|GALE]] [http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A14570055/GPS?u=20300&sid=GPS&xid=a5ae89f6 A14570055]}}


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==

Revision as of 19:59, 16 August 2019

Theotokos of Vladimir, tempera on panel, 104 by 69 centimetres (41 in × 27 in), painted about 1131 in Constantinople

Our Lady of Vladimir[a] is a medieval Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child. It is one of the most venerated Eastern Orthodox icons and an early example of the iconography of the Eleusa type, with the Christ child snuggling up to his mother's cheek.

The icon was originally painted in Constantinople by an unknown 12th century artist; though according to legend it was crafted by Luke the Evangelist by hand. From there it was sent to Kiev as a gift before soon being transferred to Vladimir and housed in the Assumption Cathedral. By tradition, it is said that the icon did not leave the city until 1935 where it was brought to Moscow to protect it from the pending Mongol invaders, but the historical accuracy of this claim is uncertain. By the fifteenth century, though, accounts of this story became widespread. The icon was at some point moved to Moscow where it was then housed in Dormition Cathedral. Several years after the Russian Revolution, the icon was again moved to the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi where it remains today.

Despite near destruction in the thirteenth century, the work has been fully restored at least three times since then. It is one of the celebrated pieces of art in Russian history. Several miracles related to the country have been ascribed to Our Lady of Vladimir, and it is venerated on three occasions within the Russian Orthodox Church.

Origins

As a work of art, the icon is dated to the earlier part of the 12th century dated sometime shortly before its arrival in Rus around 1131. This is consistent with the account given in the chronicles.[1][2][3][4] Similar to other high quality Byzantine works of art, it is thought to have been painted in Constantinople.[4][5][6] Only the faces and hands are original, with the clothes repainted after suffering damage when a metal cover or riza was placed over them[1][4] and in a fire in 1195.[4][3]

About 1131 the Greek Patriarch of Constantinople sent the icon as a gift to Grand Duke Yuri Dolgorukiy of Kiev.[7] Academic Sona Hoisington attributes this in part to a greater effort by Byzantines to convert and christanize the Slavic peoples at the time.[8] The image was kept in a monastery until Dolgorukiy's son, Andrey Bogolyubsky, brought it to Vladimir in 1155. In 1169, Andrey Bogolyubsky sacked Kiev. After plundering the city, he stole much religious artwork, including a Byzantine "Mother of God" icon which was transferred to Vladimir.[7]

Tradition tells that the horses transporting the icon stopped near Vladimir and refused to go further. People interpreted this as a sign that the Theotokos[b] wanted her icon to stay in Vladimir. To house the icon, the Assumption Cathedral was built, soon followed by other churches dedicated to the Virgin. The presence of the icon did not prevent the sack and burning of the city by the Mongols in 1238, when the icon was damaged by fire, though. It was first restored after this, and again before 1431 and in 1512.[9][10]

Legends

First published in 1512, a legend was formed that the icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist from its living subjects.[11] The intercession of the Theotokos through the image has also been credited with saving Moscow from Tatar hordes in 1451 and 1480.[12]

According to the traditional accounts, the image was taken from Vladimir to the new capital, Moscow, in 1395 during Tamerlane's invasion. The spot where the Muscovites met the Vladimir delegation to receive the icon is commemorated by the Sretensky Monastery[c] which is considered to be built where it occurred. However, no archeological evidence supports this claim, and much of the fifteenth-to-sixteenth century church was destroyed after renovations by the Russian Orthodox Church.[13] Vasily I of Moscow spent a night crying over the icon, and Tamerlane's armies retreated the same day. The Muscovites refused to return the icon to Vladimir and placed it in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.[14]

However, David Miller suggests that the icon was in fact normally still in Vladimir, with some excursions to Moscow, until the 1520s, and that crediting the icon with saving Moscow in 1395 does not appear in sources until the late 15th century, and the full version of the story until accounts of 1512 and then the 1560s.[15] There is less doubt that, by at least the 16th century, the Vladimirskaya was a thing of legend and associated with the growth of Russian national consciousness based on the Muscovite state.[16]

Under the rule of the Bolsheviks, the icon came under control of the State Tretyakov Gallery where it was stored as a simple art piece.[17] In 1993, Our Lady of Vladimir was taken to Epiphany Cathedral for a religious service in the wake of tensions between President Boris Yeltsin and the Russian Duma. Though it was damaged during the excursion, it was soon restored and given to the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi.[18][19]

Location and display

Main article: Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi
The Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi in 2010
Our Lady of Vladimir on display within the church

Our Lady of of Vladimir is on display at the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi.[20][21] As a result of an agreement between the Tretyakov Gallery and Moscow Patriarchate, the church is both an active Russian Orthodox house church and functioning museum. In 1997, the Tretyakov Gallery a full restoration of the church was completed.[10] Security improvements to store and display art were added during this process, and an underground passageway was additionally made to connect it to the State Tretyakov Gallery.[22]

In order to house the famous icon, a temperature controlled bulletproof glass case was commissioned.[10] On 7 September 1996, Our Lady of Vladimir was first installed in the special case located within the church, and the next day Patriarch Alexy II consecrated the church. According to Archpriest Nikolai Sokolov, the rector for the church, the case would able to withstand the firing of a Kalashnikov rifle as well as many other potential hazards.[23]

Due to its unique dual status as both church and museum, visitors are allowed to freely pray in front of the icon. Religious services are also held regularly to venerate the it on relevant occasions of importance to the gallery, church, or icon (including feast days).[10][23]

Description and reverence

The icon is generally considered to be one of the most cherished symbols in Russian history.[18][24][25] Even more than most, the original icon has been repeatedly duplicated for centuries, and many copies have considerable artistic and religious significance of their own.[26]

As an artistic work

Despite the icon's outsized significance as a religious icon, the artistic quality of the work has also won it praise. According to the art historian David Talbot Rice, "[Our Lady of Vladimir] ...is admitted by all who have seen it to be one of the most outstanding religious paintings of the world."[6] The work shows a humanity and tenderness new to Byzantine art during the reigning Komnenos dynasty.[3][5][6] Throughout the centuries of its existence, the icon has been overpainted at least five times.[27]

The painting depicts Jesus Christ as a baby with his cheek pressed again the Virgin Mary. One of Christ's arms is wrapped around her neck.[28] The two figures are in a visibly tender embrace.[5][29] With one hand, Mary supports her the child; while the other hand "remains free in an open gesture of invitation."[30]

The icon of the Theotokos of Vladimir is sometimes described as expressing universal feelings of motherly love and anxiety for her child.[31][32] Noticeably, Mary's eyes do not look at her child.[31][33] Linda Bridges writing for the National Review described the phenomenon as, "Our Lady of Vladimir is a Virgin of Tenderness; but she cannot bear to look at her Child, and her eyes are dark with misery."[33]

The reverse of the icon, which is much less well known, has a 15th-century image of the "Prepared Table", a Hetoimasia with the Instruments of the Passion and other symbols.[2]

As a religious icon

Our Lady of Vladimir's veneration is likely enhanced by the fact that the Theotokos is regarded as the holy protectress of Russia.[34] The venerated image has been used in celebration of coronations of tsars, elections of patriarchs, and other important ceremonies of state.[17][34][35]

The icon has three feast days held throughout the year in celebration to specific events it is associated with:[12]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Also known as Vladimir Mother of God or Virgin of Vladimir (Russian: Влади́мирская ико́на Бо́жией Ма́тери, Ukrainian: Вишгородська ікона Божої Матері, and the Theotokos of Vladimir (Greek: Θεοτόκος του Βλαντίμιρ)
  2. ^ Greek for Virgin Mary, literally meaning "Birth-Giver of God"
  3. ^ The event being known as "Sretensky" meaning the Meeting
  4. ^ The dates provided are in both old and new style. The canonical dates for the feast days are in old style because the Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar. See Gregorian calendar § Difference between Gregorian and Julian calendar dates.

Citations

  1. ^ a b Weitzmann (1982), p. 17.
  2. ^ a b Tretyakov Guide (2000), p. 280.
  3. ^ a b c Runciman (1975), p. 154.
  4. ^ a b c d Miller (1968), p. 658.
  5. ^ a b c Funk & Wagnalls (2018), database.
  6. ^ a b c Rice (1946), p. 89.
  7. ^ a b Miller (1968), pp. 660–661.
  8. ^ Hoisington (2019), database.
  9. ^ Miller (1968), pp. 658–659.
  10. ^ a b c d Lebedeva (2006), online.
  11. ^ Miller (1968), p. 663.
  12. ^ a b Alekseyenko (2008), online.
  13. ^ Beliaev (1997), p. 38.
  14. ^ Evans (2004), p. 165.
  15. ^ Miller (1968), pp. 659–660.
  16. ^ Miller (1968), pp. 669–670.
  17. ^ a b Averintsev (1994), p. 613.
  18. ^ a b Russian Life (1999), p. 8.
  19. ^ The Economist (1993), pp. 109–110.
  20. ^ Tretyakov Guide (2000), pp. 278–280.
  21. ^ Pravda (2019), online.
  22. ^ Insight Guides (2016), pp. 99–100.
  23. ^ a b Strelchik (2012), online.
  24. ^ Nouwen (1985), p. 387.
  25. ^ Jackson (1995), p. 344.
  26. ^ Evans (2004), pp. 164–165.
  27. ^ Elkins (1993), database.
  28. ^ The Economist (1993), p. 109.
  29. ^ Nouwen (1985), p. 389.
  30. ^ Nouwen (1985), p. 388.
  31. ^ a b Nouwen (1985), pp. 387–388.
  32. ^ Averintsev (1994), pp. 613–614.
  33. ^ a b Bridges (1997), database.
  34. ^ a b Phillips (2011), database.
  35. ^ Miller (1968), p. 657.
  36. ^ OCA (2016), online.

References

  • Alekseyenko, Anton (9 September 2008). "Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God / Православие.Ru". Orthodoxy and the World. Retrieved 12 August 2019. {{cite news}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Averintsev, Sergej S. (1994). "The Image of the Virgin Mary in Russian Piety". Gregorianum. 75 (4). Gregorian Biblical Press: 611–622. ISSN 0017-4114. JSTOR 23579744. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Beliaev, Leonid A. (July–August 1997). "Mystery Monasteries". Archaeology. 50 (4). Archaeological Institute of America: 36–38. ISSN 0003-8113. JSTOR 41658720. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Bridges, Linda (19 May 1997). "The beauty of truth". National Review (Column). Vol. 49, no. 9. National Review, Inc. pp. 58+. GALE A19427232. {{cite news}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • "Byzantine Art and Architecture". Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia. Chicago: World Book, Inc. 2018. EBSCOhost by218900.
  • "Commemoration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane". oca.org. The Orthodox Church in America. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  • Elkins, James (1 April 1993). "From original to copy and back again". link.galegroup.com. 33 (2). Oxford University Press: 113+. ISSN 0007-0904. GALE A13772791. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Evans, Helen C., ed. (2004). Byzantium, Faith and Power (1261-1557). Metropolitan Museum of Art/Yale University Press. ISBN 978-1588391148. OCLC 893698628. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Hoisington, Sona (1 March 2019). "The Middle Period". Dig Into History. 21 (3). Cricket Media: 20+. ISSN 1539-7130. GALE A581990256. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Insight Guides Pocket Moscow (Travel Guide eBook). Apa Publications (UK) Limited. 2016. ISBN 9781786716774. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
  • Jackson, David (May 1995). "The State Tretyakov Gallery. Moscow". The Burlington Magazine (Review). 137 (1106). Burlington Magazine Publications Ltd.: 342–344. ISSN 0007-6287. JSTOR 886644. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Kirdina, N., ed. (1 January 2000). State Tretyakov Gallery (Guidebook) (in French). Translated by Cook, K. M. (2nd rev ed.). Moscow: Avant-Garde. ISBN 978-5863941066. OCLC 54071928. OL 9058828M.
  • Lebedeva, Elena (18 December 2006). "Xрам Святого Николая Чудотворца В Толмачах" [Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Tolmachi]. pravoslavie.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 11 August 2019. {{cite web}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Matakieva, Teofana (1982). The Icon. Translated by Weitzmann, Kurt. London: Evans Brothers Ltd. ISBN 0237456451.
  • Miller, David B. (October 1968). "Legends of the Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir: A Study of the Development of Muscovite National Consciousness". Speculum. 43 (4). Medieval Academy of America: 657–670. doi:10.2307/2855325. ISSN 0038-7134. JSTOR 2855325. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Nouwen, Henri J. M. (11 May 1985). "The Icon of the Virgin of Vladimir: An Invitation to Belong to God". America. 152 (18). America Media: 387–390. ISSN 0002-7049. EBSCOhost 35621166. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • "О чем молятся Владимирской иконе Божией Матери" [About prayer for the Vladimir icon of the Mother of God]. www.ap22.ru (in Russian). Pravda. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  • "Our Lady at Rest". Russian Life. 42 (5). Montpelier, Vermont: Russian Information Services, Inc.: 8 August–September 1999. ISSN 1066-999X. GALE A58065134.
  • Phillips, Peter (25 June 2011). "Band of gold: the historic towns north-east of Moscow give a beautiful glimpse into the dawn of Russian civilisation". Spectator. 316 (9539). London: The Spectator Ltd.: 59+. ISSN 0038-6952. GALE A259961864. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Rice, D. Talbot (April 1946). "The Greek Exhibition at Burlington House". The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs. 88 (517): 86–90. ISSN 0951-0788. JSTOR 869212. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Runciman, Steven (1975). Byzantine Style and Civilization. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0140137545. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Strelchik, Evgeny (12 December 2012). "Третьяковка приглашает... в храм/Интервью/ЖМПиЦВ". Tserkovny Vestnik (Interview) (in Russian). Retrieved 12 August 2019. {{cite news}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • "The resurrection of holy Russia". The Economist. Vol. 329, no. 7834. Economist Intelligence Unit N.A. Incorporated. 23 October 1993. pp. 109–110. GALE A14570055.

Further reading

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Our Lady of Vladimir.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Virgin_of_Vladimir&oldid=911142259"