SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

The Black Madonna of Czestochowa
Jasna Góra Monastery
Czestochowa

The artist presents Mary holding Christ Child in her arms. Her half-closed eye-lids lend a contemplative expression to her beautiful face. Christ extends his right hand in benediction while in his left hand He holds a book symbolizing wisdom. The reddish scars on Mary’s cheek are reminiscent of the attempted destruction caused by the Hussite movement in 1430. Why is the Madonna Black? Initially, the icon was painted in dark olive, as was common in the east. The soot of candles over the ages has contributed to its darker tone. However, irrespective of the colour and time, as Mary gazes at us, she continues to lead us to the source of salvation.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum