16 Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Artist: Nancy W. Oliphant, Size: 14” x 11”

This icon by Nancy Oliphant depicts a copy Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This icon is sometimes referred to as Our Lady of the Passion. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary tenderly holding the Christ child in her arms while Christ’s attention is directed to the angels above.
Notice the flow of this piece. When praying with the icon, your eyes land on the central figure, the Virgin Mary. Her hand then gestures to and holds the hand of Christ, who directs and brings them on high.
The angel on the left holds the spear which will pierce Christ’s side as well as the sponge which was dipped in vinegar to quench Christ’s thirst on the Cross. The angel on the Left holds the Cross on which Christ will be crucified. This icon ties the incarnation to the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ. At the top is the monogram in Greek for the Mother of God. To the right of Christ’s head is the monogram in Greek for Jesus Christ.