194. Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir Ivan Ovchinnikov. Moscow 1888

The icon of Our Lady of Vladimir in a silver frame, created in 1888 in Moscow, is a magnificent example of an analogion icon filled with deep spiritual meaning. The central composition depicts the Mother of God with the infant Christ, from whom a sacred radiance emanates. The faces of the Mother of God and the infant express both solemnity and tenderness, conveying the emotional connection between mother and child. The icon is distinguished by its refined finish: the silver frame is decorated with chased, relief and engraved patterns along the fields and corners, which emphasizes the skill of the master. The crowns are decorated with an exquisite guilloche pattern, and the combination of silver with remnants of gilding gives the icon a special decorative value. Hallmark: Moscow hallmarks of 84 silver assay value and the initials of an unknown shaved master A.R., as well as the hallmark of the jeweler IIO, master of silver and goldsmith Ivan Ovchinnikov, whose workshop operated from 1875 to 1896. Dimensions of the icon: 31.5 x 27 cm. Historical background: Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir The icon of Our Lady of Vladimir occupies a special place in Russian Orthodox culture. Its origins go back to early Christian art, but it became especially widespread in the 11th century. In the 12th century, this icon became the main shrine of the city of Vladimir and the entire Vladimir-Suzdal Rus, the patroness of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. It was believed that the Mother of God through her icon protects not only the inhabitants of Vladimir, but also the entire Russian land. Over the centuries, the icon retained its status as the main shrine of Rus. She is considered the patroness of the Russian people, the protector of family and marriage, symbolizing unity and harmony in family life, maintaining mutual understanding between husband and wife.