Panagia the Seven-Sworded – Engraved Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Engraved Lithograph of Panagia the Seven-Sworded

In this highly unusual depiction, the Virgin Mary is portrayed with her heart pierced by seven swords. In the most common iconographic type, four swords are shown on her left and three on her right.

Since Catholics have embraced the veneration of the “Immaculate Heart of Mary,” many assume that the icon of Panagia Seven Swords is of Catholic origin. However, the icon is actually related to the prophecy of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver, as recorded by the Evangelist Luke: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too…” (Luke 2:35).

This passage refers to the pain the Virgin Mary would feel at the moment of separation from her beloved Son, as He was led to His crucifixion before her very eyes.

The Panagia Seven Swords is also known as “The Prophecy of Righteous Simeon.” It is commemorated by the Church on August 13.

Engraved Lithograph: Features

The work is entirely handcrafted, without the use of machinery, on engraved natural wood. It is the creation of Athanasios, an iconographer trained at the Athonite Ecclesiastical Academy, who remains faithful to the Byzantine art tradition as taught on Mount Athos. His works are coated with pure beeswax to ensure their longevity over time.

In this particular icon, the monk-iconographer utilized the lithography technique to create a uniquely beautiful piece. Specifically, by employing a lithographed reproduction of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this work following the traditional artificial aging method he learned in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. Notably, the artificial aging of the icon is done by hand, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos attach great importance.

Since the icon is handmade and the wood processing is entirely done by hand, slight variations in the dimensions of each icon may occur.

The icon is available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos