Description
Saint Jadwiga, queen and Christian ruler of Poland
Jadwiga of Anjou was born in 1373 or 1374 and was crowned king of Poland in Krakow in 1384, a title expressing that she ruled in her own right. Her marriage to Jogaila, baptized as Wladyslaw Jagiello, was linked with the union of Poland and Lithuania and with Lithuania's Christianization. Jadwiga combined royal responsibility with prayer, care for the poor, support for hospitals, and patronage of scholarship. She died in 1399 after childbirth. Pope John Paul II canonized her in Krakow on June 8, 1997.
Crown, white veil, and royal gold garments
The icon presents Jadwiga crowned and dressed in a white veil beneath a richly patterned gold mantle. The crown identifies sovereign authority, while the veil and composed frontal pose frame that authority as service before God. No crucifix, university charter, or royal insignia appears in this particular composition, so its message depends on the union of queenship, holiness, and calm responsibility. The title Hedwig is the English and German form of her Polish name Jadwiga; this image represents Queen Jadwiga of Poland, not Saint Hedwig of Silesia.
For Poland, students, leaders, and works of mercy
This Saint Jadwiga icon is meaningful for Polish families and parishes, students and scholars, public servants, women in leadership, married couples joining different cultures, and people supporting education or charitable care. It can accompany prayer for wise decisions, responsible authority, reconciliation between nations, and learning placed at the service of others. It suits a home prayer corner, school, university office, parish room, or a gift for graduation, public service, marriage, baptism, or a name day.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.