The Black Madonna of Częstochowa, also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa, is one of the best-known Marian icons in Poland. The original icon is housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa and has been venerated there for centuries.

I was drawn to this image because of its distinctive appearance. Mary's darkened face, the unusual proportions of the figures, and the close relationship between Mary and Christ give the icon a character quite different from many other depictions of the Theotokos.

The image belongs to the Hodegetria type of icon, in which Mary gestures toward Christ as the one who shows the way. Her raised hand directs attention to her Son, while the two figures are brought together visually through their closely placed halos, the colors of their garments, and the gold ornamentation.

The original icon has a long and partly legendary history. According to tradition, it was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist, although this cannot be established historically. The icon was brought to Jasna Góra in the late fourteenth century and has since become closely associated with Polish religious and cultural history. The characteristic marks on Mary's face are traditionally connected with an attack on the icon in 1430.

The Painting

I painted this icon in egg tempera on reclaimed wood, using 23.5-karat gold leaf for the halos and ornamentation. I followed the layered painting approach used in Byzantine icon painting, gradually developing the forms and colors through successive layers.

The reclaimed dark-wood panel is surrounded by a one-of-a-kind hand-painted floral ornament, which is an integral part of the artwork.

Medium: Egg tempera and 23.5-karat gold leaf on reclaimed wood
Panel: Reclaimed dark wood with hand-painted floral ornament
Dimensions: 14 × 18 inches
Presentation: Wired and ready to hang

This is an original, hand-painted icon, not a reproduction or print.

Contact: smolyansky.a(at)gmail(dot)com