Prince Vladimir the Great was a prominent figure in Russian history and a notable representative of the Rurik dynasty. Although he was not the most obvious or lawful heir, he managed to become the ruler of Rus which was then a pagan country. His most significant achievement was the choice of a religion that could unite the numerous East Slavic peoples. Having chosen Christianity, Vladimir the Great became known among future generations as the person who Christianized Rus. In folk ballads and legends, Prince Vladimir served as the prototype for the beloved folk hero, Vladimir Krasno Solnyshko (Vladimir the Fair Sun).

Prince Vladimir died at a very advanced age. This is why the icon from the collection of the Andrei Rublev Museum depicts him as an elderly man with gray hair. The oil painting was created in line with academic traditions. Behind the high-relief cover, only the saint’s face and hands can be seen.

The thin fabric of the saint’s shirt is depicted with the help of the fine folds and smooth surface of white metal. In contrast, the gilded cloak has larger folds, with soft waves of heavy material. The cloak’s oversleeves and borders are decorated with a delicate geometric ornament. The finest pattern of intertwined shoots, flowers, and leaves creates an ornate and elegant background. The half-figure of Prince Vladimir is highlighted in color and emphasized by the relief effects and the texture of details. The dark blue enamel plaque with the inscription “СВ. РАВНОАП. КН. ВЛАДИМИРЪ” (Saint Prince Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles) complements the colorful composition of the icon cover.

The time of the creation of the icon was identified by the stamps on the icon cover. There are inscriptions “И.Т.” (I.T.) in the bottom right corner and on the plaque. These are the initials of Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov, the owner of a Moscow silverware workshop. Another inscription, “Курлюковъ” (Kurlyukov) is the signature of Orest Fyodorovich Kurlyukov, the owner of a silverware workshop. Some works by Ivan Tarabrov were sold in Kurlyukov’s stores. At the bottom and on the saint’s robes, there is a stamp “84 ИЛ” (84 IL). The number refers to the fineness of silver, while the letters are the initials of Ivan Sergeyevich Lebyodkin (1899–1908), the manager of the Moscow District Assaying Department.