The artwork titled “Theotokos of Tolga with a depiction of Tolga Monastery’s history” was created by Orthodox Icons in 1655. It belongs to the Yaroslavl school of icon painting and measures 157 x 122 cm. This icon, which is part of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God series, is currently housed in the Yaroslavl Museum of Fine Arts in Yaroslavl, Russia.
The artwork features a central depiction of the Theotokos, or Virgin Mary, holding the Christ Child, a common theme in Orthodox iconography. Surrounding the central figures are numerous smaller scenes, which illustrate the history of the Tolga Monastery. Each of these narrative segments is meticulously detailed, depicting various important events and figures related to the monastery’s history. The rich color palette, dominated by gold and deep reds, and the intricate detail exemplify the high craftsmanship of the Yaroslavl school of icon painting. The borders and ornamental design further emphasize the importance and sacred nature of the depiction, reflecting the revered status of the subjects in Eastern Orthodox tradition.