Virgin Mary of Vladimir

This image is also known as The Virgin of Vladimir. A medieval Byzantine icon of Virgin Mary holding the Infant which is considered the protector of Russia. According to the testimonies it is painted by the Evangelist Luke, who describes the feelings of maternal love and her concern for her child. It dates back to the 12th century and was originally in Jerusalem until 450 A.D., then moved to Istanbul for three centuries and since 1480 is permanently located in Moscow.