The Virgin of the Svenk Caves

Origin: Kursk or Ukraine
Age: Ends of the XIXth Century – Beginning of the XXth Century
Composition: Tempera on wood
Measures Cms: 43,0 X 31,4 X 3,0

The Monastery of the Caves was founded in the 11th century near the Russian city of Kiev. Its founder was the holy monk Antoni, a Russian pilgrim who later became a monk on Mount Athos and who brought Byzantine monasticism to Slavic lands. The origin of the monastery was attributed to the will of the Virgin of the Blaquernas, for having inspired four architects to go to the Holy Monks. The image derives from the Virgin Orate. Antoni and Theodoius appear kneeling next to the Virgin.