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Art History Essay Virgin of Vladimir Icon or Do Miracles Exist

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Art History Essay Virgin of Vladimir Icon or Do Miracles Exist

Art History Essay: Virgin of Vladimir Icon
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Do Miracles Exist?

Virgin of Vladimir icon belongs to Byzantine period of art and believed to be painted between 11th and 12th century in Constantinople. The history of this icon and adventures that it experienced for the last eight centuries are not only interesting but have a veil of mystery and magic touch. From Constantinople to Kiev, from Kiev to Suzdal, from Suzdal to Vladimir, from Vladimir to Moscow; and, every time this icon protected the city in which it appeared. The performance of this icon’s miracles is well documented in historical papers. The image of this icon is well known. The subject matter is not just a Virgin and Child as we can observe in other icons of the same period; but, this work of art has very distinct features that became widely known in our days as Virgin of Compassion and Tenderness, Merciful Love, or even Loving Kindness *.
How is this image different from other images of Virgin Mary? In early icons of Byzantine period Virgin and Child are usually represented in straight position, directly looking at the viewers and Christ is usually has a ruling pose blessing the World. In Virgin of Vladimir we see the union of Mother and a Child. Their cheeks are pressed against each other. Jesus is looking at mother with love and faith. And even his body is out of proportions (the head is much smaller than the child’s head would be) and he is dressed in adult tunic that shines with gold, we still can see the child who is engaged in a very special moment of love and compassion with his mother. Mary’s head is tilted towards the Child. She is looking at us, but her facial expression is implying a loving mom who is protecting her son; yet it is showing awareness that she is the Mother of Jesus, Son of God.
The pallet of the unknown artist was very limited. We can see lots of dark colors for Mary’s veil and a lot of Gold colors that would distinguish a very special moment that is represented on this icon. The decorations of Mary’s clothes are beautiful and very ornate. Yet the gold does not disturb from looking at Virgin’s and Child’s faces as in my opinion appear as the main point of composition. The composition itself has triangular character, where the top of the triangle is Mary’s face and her eyes. The artist tried to show us ideally beautiful woman with Greco-Roman facial features. Her face is slightly elongated, she has very small mouth and big eyes; that exact features were considered to be ideal in 11th – 12th century. The composition of the painting is very simple. There is no background except the gold that is surrounding these two figures and the letters that represent what we see on the painting. Placing the symbols is a typical approach of Byzantine artist to compensate three-dimensionality. And even we can see attempt of the artist to give the clothing some 3D effect, we still can observe overall flatness of this image.
In spite of limitation of the pallet and a simple perspective we still can see the great dynamics in the Virgin of Vladimir icon.

The body of Jesus is leaned towards Mary. Virgin’s hands also play a very important role in the composition. If to draw imaginary lines from both hands (not arms) the lines will meet where Christ heart would be. I find it mysterious and incredible. Mary’s left eye is in exact line if we divide the painting in two parts vertically; yet, symmetry is broken down with the head tilt that brings the completion to the composition. Mary’s gesture is protective and loving. She holds her child with care. Her eyes are inviting us to be witnesses of her love and compassion. She will protect this child as she protected each city where she goes. Yet her eyes also show a deep sadness as if she knows that Jesus came to people to save them by his own suffering. There is no doubt that looking at this icon people believed in miracles; and, its famous endeavors, as well as legends around its performance would make this icon miraculous in return.

Do Miracles Exist?
This is just a thought for a brain; but, when I decided to write the paper about one of religious artworks, I had to choose from at least 100 plus images from different religious entities. The day I have decided to write paper was June 23. I was going through the papers of one book and Virgin of Vladimir attracted my attention. Thinking only one second the decision had been made. I have started research on-line and the fist information on this subject I picked that the celebration of this icon is performed in Russia during three days of the year: May 21, June 23, and August 26**.
June 23 !!! Miracle?! Coincidence?! I leave this question open..

Bibliography:
*http://www.iconsexplained.com/iec/iec_001_vierge_de_vladimir.htm
** http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/7424.htm

Sincerely,
Irina Sztukowski

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