The Tretyakov Gallery will transfer the icons “Our Lady of Vladimir,” dating to the first third of the 12th century, and “Our Lady of the Don,” dating to the late 14th century, to the Russian Orthodox Church for gratuitous use. This was reported by the museum’s press service.
As early as tomorrow, April 4, both icons will be displayed at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. At the same time, they will remain part of the gallery’s collection, and museum specialists will continue to inspect them. In addition, “specialized display cases with the necessary climate” will be prepared for them, the Tretyakov Gallery emphasized.
The “Our Lady of the Don” icon was transferred to the gallery in 1930 from the State Historical Museum after restoration. It is believed that it was originally located in the Assumption Cathedral in Kolomna and was moved to Moscow in the 16th century.
The “Our Lady of Vladimir” icon was brought to Rus from Constantinople around 1130. It was first kept in Vyshhorod, then moved to Vladimir, and later to the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin. After the revolution, the icon was restored and transferred to the Tretyakov Gallery.
In 2023, Andrei Rublev’s “Trinity” was also transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church. Specialists criticized that decision, fearing for the preservation of the icon.