Early 20th Century Decorative Gilded Framed With Lithographic Gold Print of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Icon

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This piece is a reproduction of the famous Byzantine icon known as "Our Lady of Perpetual Help". This revered image, … Read more This piece is a reproduction of the famous Byzantine icon known as "Our Lady of Perpetual Help". This revered image, also known as the Mother of Perpetual Succour or the Theotokos of the Passion, is one of the most widely recognized Marian icons in the world.

The icon is rich in theological meaning, with specific elements representing aspects of Christ's life and Mary's role.

The Virgin Mary is depicted with large eyes looking at the viewer, inviting us to share our troubles. Her small mouth symbolizes a spirit of silence and prayer. She wears the colors of royalty (red and blue), which also symbolize virginity and motherhood. A star on her veil represents her as the "Star of the Sea," who guides us to Christ.

The Child Jesus is shown as a miniature adult, indicating his divine knowledge. He clings to his mother's hand in fear while gazing at the angels. One of his sandals is loose, often interpreted as showing the haste with which he ran to his mother for comfort from the vision of his Passion.

The Archangels Michael (left) and Gabriel (right) are shown holding the instruments of Christ's future Passion, including the cross, nails, spear, and the crown of thorns. Their covered hands are a sign of reverence.

The gold background symbolizes heaven, the resurrection, and the triumph of Christ over sin and death.

The original icon is believed to have been painted on the island of Crete between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was brought to Rome in the late 15th century and placed in the Church of St. Matthew, where it was publicly venerated for approximately 300 years. After the church's destruction, the icon was hidden away until it was entrusted to the Redemptorist order by Pope Pius IX in 1866, who instructed them to "Make her known throughout the world!". The original icon is currently enshrined in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome. See less