Russian icon depicting Our Lady Vladimirskaya, Early 20th century

Medieval chronicles report that the history of the icon of the Virgin dates back to an anonymous Byzantine artist who arrived from Constantinople to Kiev around 1130. At the request of Grand Prince Andrew Bogoliubsky in 1155 it was brought to the Dormition Cathedral in the city of Vladimir, from which the icon takes its name. The fame of the miracles associated with the depiction, which was already popular for saving Constantinople from the Turks, was amplified further when the picture where this icon first appeared was sent to help Moscow besieged by Tamerlane's hordes. According to legend, the Mongol conqueror was horrified by the vision of the Virgin surrounded by angels armed with swords and decided to retreat. 

Item condition grading: **** good.