Description
Our Lady of Protection and the protecting veil
The Virgin Mary holds an outstretched veil bearing a cross. This image belongs to the Eastern Christian theme of the Protection of the Mother of God, often called Pokrov. The veil expresses Mary's intercession: prayer addressed to Christ on behalf of the faithful.
The tradition behind the image
The feast recalls a vision associated with Saint Andrew at the Blachernae church in Constantinople. In the traditional account, Mary prays for the gathered people and extends her veil over them. This icon concentrates on Mary herself rather than the full narrative scene. Her light-colored garments, frontal pose and veil held between both hands make the subject immediately recognizable.
A Marian image for the home
The icon can accompany family prayer or a personal devotion to the Mother of God. It may be chosen for a new home or for someone connected with Eastern Christian spirituality. The outstretched veil provides a concrete starting point for explaining intercession and the place of Mary in Christian prayer.
Made in Poland on linden wood
Art Christiana makes this icon to order on a linden-wood board with two coats of primer. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf (schlagmetal). A certificate bearing the production year and a hanging fixture are attached to the back.