Canadian-made quality copy, wood mounted. 

The Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa

The painting of Our Lady is the very heart of Jasna Gora (Hill of Light) Częstochowa [chen-sta-ho-va], drawing crowds of pilgrims to it. This Sanctuary was not built after a Marian apparition, as is usually the case for major holy sites. The painting itself is the mystery, the fulcrum and the atmosphere of the Jasna Gora Shrine.

Photo of the Original Black Madonna Icon

It was painted on a wood panel measuring 1222 x 822 x 35mm (1). Mary's face dominates the painting and observers find themselves immersed in her eyes. Regardless of the angle they look at Mary, she looks back at them. The face of the Child is also turned towards the pilgrim, but his eyes are looking elsewhere. The two faces have a serious and thoughtful expression adding to the emotional tone of the painting. There are two parallel slashes and a third horizontal cut mark our Lady's right cheek. On Mary's neck there are six scratches, two more visible than others. Jesus, dressed in a scarlet tunic and supported by his Mother's left arm, has his right hand raised in a magisterial gesture, of sovereignty and benediction. His right hand holds the Bible. The right hand of the Virgin rests on her breast, as if she were indicating the Child (Hodigitria type icon). The Virgin's blue robe and mantle are decorated with lilies, symbol of royalty. A six-pointed star is featured on Mary's brow. Important features are the auras around Virgin and Child since their brightness contrasts with the dark facial tones. The background is dark green.

The painting is frequently called the "Black Madonna”. It refers to skin tones of Mary and Jesus. The image was painted with colours diluted with fused wax, which were subject to natural darkening due to age. Additionally countless pots of incense and wax candles were burnt in the proximity of the picture, and it survived a fire in 1690, all of this contributed to it's darkening.

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