ICON ‘THE MOTHER OF GOD BOGOLYUBSKAYA' WITH SAINT ANDREY BOGOLYUBSKI AND SAINTS MOSES AND PARAKEVA Central Russia, late 19th century

wood, oil, gold leaf 35.7 x 30.8 cm Condition: well preserved, scratches on the gilding The Bogolyubskaya icon of the Mother of God is the most venerated in the Vladimir region. In this icon, the Saint Virgin appears to Saint Andrew Bogolyubski, prince of Vladimir from 1157 to 1174, whose nickname ‘Bogolyubski’ (‘beloved of God’) is related to the town of Bogolyubovo, which he particularly appreciated, but also to his great piety and good relations with the Russian Church. The icon is known for its many miracles and was widely distributed among the population.