Icon of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Icon of Saint Maximilian Kolbe – Hand-Gilded Byzantine Icon on Linden Wood | Patron of Faith, Courage, and Freedom

Who was Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and why does his icon inspire so deeply?

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar, is one of the most powerful witnesses of faith and love in the 20th century. In Auschwitz, he offered his life in exchange for another man’s – a gesture that transformed despair into hope.
The Icon of Saint Maximilian Kolbe is more than sacred art – it is a reminder that love is stronger than death, that freedom begins in the heart, and that truth always carries divine light.

The meaning behind this religious icon

In this Byzantine-style religious icon, Saint Maximilian is portrayed wearing his brown Franciscan habit, partially covered by the striped prisoner’s garment that symbolizes his martyrdom. In his hand, he holds The Knight of the Immaculate, the magazine he founded to spread devotion to the Virgin Mary.
The golden background – so characteristic of hand-gilded icons – represents heavenly glory and the victory of good over evil. His calm gaze speaks of peace, faith, and the quiet strength of a soul surrendered to God.

How this hand-gilded icon on linden wood is made

This icon of Saint Maximilian Kolbe is crafted on solid linden wood, traditionally used for Byzantine icons. The surface is prepared with a chalk-and-glue gesso base, hand-gilded with fine metal leaf, and the image is printed directly onto the gold for luminous color depth.
Each icon is then hand-varnished to protect it for generations, giving it a subtle sheen and timeless elegance.

A meaningful Christian gift and sacred home decoration

The Icon of Saint Maximilian Kolbe is a beautiful Christian gift for those seeking strength in faith, courage in hardship, or spiritual guidance in daily life. It is perfect for homes, chapels, and personal prayer spaces – a symbol of love that overcomes darkness.