A sacred painting depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus has been stolen from Magdalene College Chapel.

The painting, which was gilded with gold leaf, was taken from the College between the 24th and 25th September. The Dean of the Chapel, Reverend Sarah Atkins, stated that “the icon vanished from its place beside the altar,” while the church was open to the public.

The artefact was created by Dom Anselm Shobrook, an Anglican monk and renowned icon-writer.

It has been in the chapel since 2009 when it was donated to the College by Professor Eamon Duffy to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his election as a fellow.

Reverend Atkins said she was unable to put a specific value to the artwork, as it was originally a gift to the College.

The College has expressed “hopes for the return of the icon, which holds great value to those connected with it,” in a statement on their website.

The piece is painted on a wooden board measuring about 35×25cm (14in x 14in) and 2.5cm (1in) thick, and has a gold-leafed background and a red border.

Reverend Atkins stated that: “I was saddened to discover the icon vanished from its place beside the altar, and all that this means for those for whom it has been a beloved part of the Chapel and a treasured aid to prayer.”

“As a place of worship, the Chapel is open to the public for prayer and reflection and we are glad to welcome those who pass by, as well as Members of the College, to step inside to sit in its peace, or to Services with our excellent Choir. This comes with a risk, as so many places of worship know. But remaining open is not only a matter of principle but an act of trust in the kindness of strangers – perhaps that same kindness might yield the whereabouts of the icon in time,” she continued.

The chapel, built in the 1470s, was the place of worship for the Benedictine monks of the College’s earliest days.

Jemimah Allmand-Smith, Magdalene College Christian Union President, told Varsity how she was “shocked and saddened to hear about the theft of the Virgin and Child icon. The Chapel at Magdalene is loved by so many students (including myself), and our Chaplain works hard to make it a place where everybody feels welcome and can reflect upon and benefit from the Christian heritage we cherish as a college”.