Icons of Our Lady

What Are Icons of Our Lady?

Icons of Our Lady are Marian icons — religious works of art depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. By definition, an icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, whose most common subjects include Jesus, Mary, saints, and angels (Wikipedia: Icon). The icons in this collection present Mary under traditional titles — among them Our Lady of Częstochowa, Our Lady of Ostra Brama, Our Lady of La Vang, and the Nursing Madonna.

What Does "Theotokos" Mean?

Theotokos is a title of Mary, mother of Jesus, used especially in Eastern Christianity; its usual Latin translations are Dei Genitrix or Deipara, and common English translations are "Mother of God" or "God-bearer" (Wikipedia: Theotokos). The word is also used for a type of icon showing the Mother with the Child, typically called a Madonna in the Western tradition.

Traditional Marian Icon Types

Marian iconography developed several classic types. Two of the most widespread are the Eleusa — in which the Christ Child is nestled against Mary's cheek, known in the Western Church as the Virgin of Tenderness — and the Hodegetria, in which the Mother holds the Child at her side and points to him as the source of salvation for humankind (Wikipedia: Eleusa, Hodegetria). The collection includes icons under traditional Marian titles such as Eleus (Icon of Eleus), the Nursing Madonna, Our Lady of Częstochowa — the Black Madonna of Częstochowa is a venerated icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus (Wikipedia) — as well as Our Lady of Ostra Brama and Our Lady of La Vang.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Every icon in this collection is handmade. Each one is made on an alder board, and most descriptions note that the image is applied to the wood using a special imaging technology. The icon is then gilded by hand or finished in gold, depending on the design; many descriptions specify gold leaf (flake gold). Each icon comes with a gilded certificate confirming its authenticity, and most are packed in a box.

Sizes and Prices

Every icon is available in four sizes, as listed on each product page:

• A — 10.5 × 14 cm (4.13 × 5.51 in)
• B — 12 × 16 cm (4.72 × 6.3 in)
• E — 17 × 23 cm (6.69 × 9.06 in)
• F — 29 × 39 cm (11.42 × 15.35 in)

Prices start at $48 for a size A icon and range up to $146 depending on the icon and its size options. The current price for each size is shown on the product page — for example on the Untier of Knots icon or the Our Lady of La Vang icon.

Devotional Use and Display

Most of the icons are suitable for both hanging and standing display, as noted in the product descriptions; some descriptions suggest them as gifts for weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, First Holy Communion, or family celebrations. For practical guidance on placement and care, see our guide How to Care for Sacred Icons; if you are choosing icons for a church, read How to Choose Icons for a Church. To learn more about the tradition behind these images, start with Understanding Catholic Icons, part of our wider sacred icons collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Icons of Our Lady

How Much Do Icons of Our Lady Cost?

Prices in this collection range from $48 to $146 depending on the icon and its size options. The size A icon (10.5 × 14 cm (4.13 × 5.51 in)) is the most affordable at $48, and the price rises with the size of the board. Each product page shows the exact price for every size.

What Sizes Are the Icons Available In?

All four sizes: A — 10.5 × 14 cm (4.13 × 5.51 in), B — 12 × 16 cm (4.72 × 6.3 in), E — 17 × 23 cm (6.69 × 9.06 in), and F — 29 × 39 cm (11.42 × 15.35 in). You choose the size on the product page.

Do the Icons Come with a Certificate?

Yes. As the product descriptions state, each icon comes with a gilded certificate confirming its authenticity, and most icons are packed in a box.

How Long Does Shipping Take?

In-stock items are shipped within 72 hours. If an icon is not in stock, it is made to order and takes an additional 3–14 business days before it ships. Orders are delivered by FedEx, normally within 2–5 business days. Full details are on our Shipping & Delivery page.

Can I Return an Icon of Our Lady?

You may return most products within 21 days of receiving your order. Returned items must be new, unused, in original packaging, and include proof of purchase; personalized, custom-made, used, worn, or altered products cannot be returned unless defective. See our Returns Policy for details.

Is It OK for Catholics to Have Icons?

Yes — icons are part of Catholic tradition. An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran churches, and its most common subjects include Jesus, Mary, saints, and angels (Wikipedia: Icon).

What Are the Most Popular Catholic Icons of Mary?

The most widely recognised Marian icons include Our Lady of Częstochowa, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fátima and Our Lady of Sorrows. The classic types are the Hodegetria and the Eleusa.

What Symbols Appear in Icons of Our Lady?

Common symbols include the star (Mary as Stella Maris), the rose and lily (purity), the monogram of Mary, and the colours blue and gold. In the Hodegetria the Virgin points to Christ; in the Eleusa she inclines her cheek toward him. These details are explained in our guide to Catholic iconography.

Where Can I Buy Icons of Our Lady?

You can order directly from this collection. Each icon is handmade on an alder board, finished in gold, and available in four sizes from 10.5 × 14 cm to 29 × 39 cm. Shipping and returns are described on our Shipping & Delivery and Returns Policy pages.

Where Can I Learn More About Icons of Our Lady?

Our blog covers the topic in depth: start with Understanding Catholic Icons: A Beginner's Guide to Sacred Art, and see How to Care for Sacred Icons for cleaning and display guidance. The icons above are part of the wider sacred icons range in our shop.