Black Madonna of Częstochowa
The Black Madonna of Częstochowa, also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa is a venerated icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland.
Black Madonna of Częstochowa
The image of the Holy Virgin of Częstochowa (derivative, after 1714), collection of Radomysl Castle
Black Madonna of Częstochowa with a crown
Jan III Sobieski with gorget with Black Madonna of Częstochowa
An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic churches. They are not simply artworks; "an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion". The most common subjects include Jesus, Mary, saints, and angels. Although especially associated with portrait-style images concentrating on one or two main figures, the term also covers most of the religious images in a variety of artistic media produced by Eastern Christianity, including narrative scenes, usually from the Bible or the lives of saints.
The Ladder of Divine Ascent depicts monks ascending to Jesus in heaven in the top right. 12th century, Saint Catherine's Monastery.
Russian icon of the Holy Trinity
The icon of St Nicolas carved in stone (between c. 12 and 15th centuries), at the Radomysl Castle, in Ukraine.
Luke painting the Theotokos of Vladimir (16th century, Pskov)