St Tamara, Queen of Georgia (c.1160 – 1213)

Hand painted icon of Saint Tamara of Georgia

This is an icon of my patron saint. Tamara was the first woman to rule Georgia and her reign marked the Georgian Golden Age. She was crowned a co-ruler by her father George III in 1178. Her subjects titled her “king” and “father”. She was renowned not only for her military and diplomatic achievements but also for her patronage of the arts and the Church, her care of the needy, as well as for her piety.

The image is consistent with the established iconography of the saint and the style is inspired by 14th century Georgian icons.