Czarna Madonna z Częstochowy (Matka Boska Częstochowska). Wyjątkowo rzadki XVIII-wieczny obraz szkoły polskiej, będący kopią ważnej polskiej ikony.
The Black Madonna of Częstochowa, also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa. An exceptionally rare 18th century Polish school copy of the important Polish icon, a highly significant cultural object relating to Poland.
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Early Polish art is exceptionally rare, particularly relating to such important cultural objects specific to Poland. Given the tumultuous history of 18th century Poland, very few paintings survive prior to this period or during it. This copy is clearly different from the original, but maintains the same style and is a typical representation of the late 17th and early to mid 18th century of Our Lady of Częstochowa.
This is an exceptionally rare 18th-century Polish school copy of the revered Black Madonna of Częstochowa, Poland’s most venerated religious icon. The original, housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery, has been a national symbol for over 600 years, its origins steeped in legend. Tradition holds that Saint Luke the Evangelist painted it on a cedar table from the Holy Family's house, later rediscovered by Saint Helena in 326 AD and brought to Constantinople. The icon eventually reached Poland, passing through Belz before being entrusted to Jasna Góra in 1384 by Władysław Opolczyk, Duke of Opole.
For centuries, the Madonna of Częstochowa has been a focal point of Polish Catholic devotion, surviving wars and occupations as a powerful symbol of national identity. The pilgrimage to Jasna Góra, established in 1711, continues to draw thousands annually, with figures such as Pope John Paul II among its devoted pilgrims who visited in secret during World War II. There are many accounts of elderly pilgrims trying to reach the Madonna at great personal risk during the Nazi occupation of Poland.
Our example has the first line of the Marian Sub Tuum prayer in Polish at the foot, the earliest recorded Marian prayer in the Latin original which, later on in the prayer, attests to Mary's sinlessness (Pod Twoją obronę uciekamy się / We take refuge in your protection).
Our Lady of Czestochowa (the Black Madonna) was soon made Queen and Protector of Poland. "In 1920, Russians were invading Poland, when they saw an image of Our Lady in the clouds, and they withdrew on seeing the image". Miraculous events such as spontaneous healings have occurred for centuries on making pilgrimage to the portrait. Some say the painting is known as the Black Madonna because of the soot residue that discolours the painting. "Centuries of votive lights and candles burning in front of the painting are the cause of the soot." Others say she was originally painted Black.
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Size incl. frame: 640 x 780 mm (approx.)
Condition:
Early, possibly original, giltwood frame with losses, but remains highly attractive, places reglued. Surface a little dulled, with some of the applied gold lifting in places. An exceptionally attractive Polish painting of Our Lady.
