Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows – Aged Iconostasis with Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Lithograph Iconostasis with the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows

In this rather unusual image, the Virgin Mary is depicted with her heart pierced by seven swords. In the more common iconographic type, we see four swords on her left and three on her right.

Because Catholics have adopted the devotion to the “Heart of the Theotokos,” many believe that the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows image has Catholic origins. However, in reality, this image is related to the prophecy of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver, which is recorded by the Evangelist Luke: “and a sword will pierce your own soul also…” (Luke 2:35).

This passage refers to the pain the Virgin Mary would feel at the moment of separation from her beloved Son, when before her eyes, He would be led to His crucifixion and death.

The Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows is also known as “The Prophecy of the Righteous Simeon.” It is commemorated by the Church on August 13th.

Lithograph: Characteristics

Using a lithographed reproduction of Byzantine art, the monk iconographer created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught to him on Mount Athos. The artificial aging of the icon is handmade, giving the work, with the depiction of the Virgin Mary of the Gorgoepikoos, collectible value. The technique of lithography in iconography is a printing technique that was invented in 1798.

The iconostasis is available upon order.