The icon Exordium to the Church of Holy Virgin Theotokos depicts a story from the Apocrypha, i.e., described in the non-canonical ecclesiastical writing. The iconographers reflected a story from the life of Virgin Mary — Exordium to the church. It was mentioned in the non-canonical gospel of James. The figure of the Virgin was traditionally located in the center. To the left her parents were usually depicted, and to the right — the High Priest Zachariah. Sometimes, such icons depicted the maidens accompanying Mary to the church.

Iconographers from Vologda created the icon from the collection of the State Museum of Fine Arts in late 17th — early 18th century. They used special dye — tempera dissolving powder pigment in egg yolk. В таких красках порошковый пигмент растворяли в сыром яйце. Vologda iconography is distinguished for its fine painting and the abundance of small details and ornaments. The background and clothes were painted first. Often several painters were simultaneously working on one icon: one was painting elements of landscape, the second — architecture, the third one — clothes, and the most experienced one was entrusted to paint the faces of the saints.

Icons were painted on wooden boards cut from the very core of the log, because here the wood was the least malformed when drying. Lime, ash-tree and other non-torch types of trees were used most often. Sometimes imported cypress boards were used. Often enough, the main theme was supplemented with a fragment Mary Fed by Angel. As per the legend, Virgin Mary spent 12 years in the church weaving the curtain. Archangel Gabriel came to her every day bringing food.