I have been wanting to get some representation of Mary in my office for some time. Well, I finally did and it's a beautiful little stained glass piece of 'Our Lady of Guadalupe' hanging up on my wall now. What's your favorite depiction of Mary? O our Lady of Guadalupe, mystical rose, make intercession for Holy Church, protect the Sovereign Pontiff, help all those who invoke thee in their necessities, and since thou art the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from thy most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, burning charity and the precious gift of final perseverance. Amen God Bless, Jake
Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima are my favorite appearances of Mary. O Mary conceived without sin...
I think Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is by Diego Valezquez and hangs in the National Gallery in London. One hot summer's day I wandered into the gallery and was stunned to see it hanging there. I stood for ages. I was delighted when I found I could buy the print in their shop. I had it for ages. Beautiful. Two Paintings for the Shod Carmelites, Seville / Velázquez painted these two works as companion pieces during his early career in Seville, in around 1618. They were perhaps intended to promote the recent celebrations in the city of a papal decree defending the mystery of the Immaculate Conception, the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin. We don't know who commissioned The Immaculate Conception and Saint John the Evangelist on the Island of Patmos, but they are first recorded in 1800 in the chapter house of the Convent of the Shod Carmelite Order in Seville. Saint John and the Virgin both appear in the foreground, surrounded by objects identifying who they are, strongly illuminated from the top left. The colours of the Virgin’s clothes are echoed in reverse in Saint John’s, and both paintings demonstrate Velázquez’s skill in conveying a strong contrast between light and shade. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/diego-velazquez-the-immaculate-conception
From Totus Tuus Fb page: God knew that the best way to communicate with the Aztec people was through signs and symbols. So in 1531, Mary appeared not in European fashion, but in a way that spoke to them—beautiful and rich with meaning... It was a heavenly “catechism” in image form. Every detail communicated directly to the Aztec people while proclaiming the Gospel. Here’s the symbolism of each key element: Clothed with the Sun & Golden Rays: She stands in front of a brilliant sun (Revelation 12:1). To the Aztecs, this meant she was greater than their highest god, Huitzilopochtli — she announces the one true God who is even greater. Moon Under Her Feet: She stands on a crescent moon (Revelation 12:1). This crushed the Aztec moon god of darkness and the serpent god Quetzalcoatl. It also symbolizes her perpetual virginity. Stars Scattered on Her Mantle: The stars match the exact constellation visible in the sky on December 12, 1531. They show she comes from heaven as Queen of Heaven. Blue-Green (Turquoise) Mantle with Gold Border: This was the color of Aztec royalty, gods, and life itself. In Christian art, it means eternity and immortality. The gold edge shows her nobility. Rose/Pink Tunic: The color of earth and the dawn — announcing a new era of faith and divine love. Hands Joined in Prayer & Eyes Looking Down: Her humble gaze and praying hands showed she was NOT a goddess (Aztec gods stared straight ahead). She is a loving mother pointing us to God. Mestizo Face & Features: Her face blends indigenous Mexican and European traits—a sign that she is Mother to ALL peoples. Angel Carrying Her: Only kings and queens were carried this way. The angel shows her royalty and announces a new era for the Americas. Black Cross Brooch at Her Neck: The same cross worn by Spanish missionaries — identifying her with Jesus Christ. Black Maternity Belt & Four-Petaled Flower Over Her Womb: She is visibly pregnant! The flower (nahui ollin) was the Aztec symbol for the center of the universe and new life. It tells everyone: the true God is within her. This image converted millions in just the span of them years—and still speaks today: a message of hope, unity, and the triumph of Christ!
