The Seven-Swords Virgin Mary – Colorful Engraved Pyrography

Description

Pyrography Depicting the Seven-Swords Virgin Mary

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

While Catholics have embraced the veneration of the “Immaculate Heart of Mary,” many believe that the icon of the Seven-Swords Virgin Mary has Catholic origins. However, the image 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 she witnessed Him being led to His crucifixion and death.

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

Pyrography: Features

Pyrography is an art form that attracts many creators due to the impressive results it can achieve. It is a painting technique that utilizes two primal elements of nature: wood and fire. With patience and attention to detail, monks create pyrographic icons, taking great care to avoid mistakes, as they cannot be corrected like pencil drawings.

This particular icon combines the art of engraving with pyrography, producing an exceptional embossed effect.