Description
Saint Richard of Wessex, the pilgrim father
The man venerated as Saint Richard of Wessex was an early eighth-century Anglo-Saxon nobleman and the father of Saints Willibald, Winibald and Walburga. He set out with his sons on pilgrimage toward Rome and the Holy Land, but died at Lucca in Italy around 720 and was buried at San Frediano, where devotion grew around his tomb. The earliest account does not record his personal name. Richard and the title king of the English belong to later tradition, so they should not be presented as securely documented facts. His feast is observed on February 7.
Crown, cross staff and sword
The image follows the later tradition by showing Richard crowned and dressed as a ruler. He holds a long cross staff, which can be read as a sign of pilgrimage and Christian witness. A sheathed sword at his side belongs to royal and noble iconography; it is not evidence of a known military episode. The combination of crown and cross therefore expresses received devotional memory, while the historical core remains his pilgrimage, death in Lucca and place within a family of missionary saints.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
The icon is made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate noting the production year and a wall hanger are included. This is a contemporary devotional object, described by its verified process without claims of individual hand painting.
For pilgrims, families and Christian formation
The icon can accompany prayer in a home, chapel, school or community connected with pilgrimage and missionary history. Richard’s remembered role as father of three saints makes the subject especially relevant to parents, godparents and educators reflecting on faith passed through example. It can also be a thoughtful gift for travelers or for a person named Richard, without treating the icon itself as a guarantee of safe travel.