R12 01-2 - Vladimir's Icon Virgin of Tenderness

Mary, the Theotokos, or Virgin of Tenderness, is depicted half-torso, with her head gently tilted. He carries the Child on his right arm, while his left hand barely touches him, showing him to the eyes of men. The Virgin’s gaze shows the great drama of the passion and death of Jesus Christ, announced to her by Simeon’s prophecy: «A sword will pierce your soul» (Lk 2:35). The face of the Divine Son is that of a little boy. His neck, as big as that of an adult, is called «Breath» and is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, through which the Incarnation was accomplished. Indeed, the luminous face and the golden tunic indicate that He is the incarnate Word.