Description
Holy Face of Jesus Mandylion Icon
The Holy Face, also called the Mandylion or Image Not Made by Hands, is an ancient Christian icon type centered on the face of Christ. Church tradition connects it with King Abgar of Edessa and a cloth bearing Christ's likeness. That account belongs to sacred tradition rather than the canonical Gospels. The image was known in the Christian East and its transfer from Edessa to Constantinople in 944 is commemorated on August 16 in the Byzantine calendar.
Christ's face upon the cloth
This icon shows the face of Jesus on a white cloth held at its upper corners. The cross-shaped halo contains the Greek letters for the divine name, commonly read as "He Who Is." Unlike a narrative Passion scene, the Mandylion presents the face frontally for contemplation. Its theology is linked with the Incarnation: because the Son of God truly became human, Christ may be represented in sacred art. The image is venerated as a sign pointing to Christ, not as a magical object.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Art Christiana makes this icon in Poland on a carefully prepared linden wood board. The surface receives two primer coats, hand-applied metal leaf, and a directly transferred image. A certificate and hanging fixture are fitted on the reverse, and the icon arrives in a protective presentation box.