Description
Our Lady of Volhynia and Ukrainian sacred art
The title Our Lady of Volhynia refers to the Marian icon tradition of Volhynia, a historic region of present-day Ukraine and neighboring lands. A celebrated Volhynian Mother of God belongs to the Hodegetria family and is also linked with the rare Perivlepta form. Scholars have proposed dates ranging from the late thirteenth century to the fifteenth, so its authorship and precise dating remain debated. The historic work is preserved in Kyiv, with a copy in Lutsk.
A contemporary Hodegetria-inspired composition
This image is a modern devotional interpretation rather than an exact reproduction of the museum icon. Mary wears a red maphorion over a blue veil and turns her open right hand toward Christ, the Hodegetria gesture that identifies him as the way. Jesus sits upright on her left arm, blesses with his right hand, and holds a white scroll in his left. Greek abbreviations name the Mother of God and Jesus Christ, while the gold field marks the sacred setting.
For prayer with the Mother of God
The icon can support prayer for faithful guidance, unity, families, and people connected with Volhynian or Ukrainian heritage. It suits a home icon corner, chapel, parish room, or a gift for baptism, marriage, a house blessing, or a family commemoration. Its theological focus is Christ, whom Mary presents and to whom her hand directs the viewer.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.