Beauty ever ancient, ever new: the Virgin Mary and Child Christ
Unveiling a timeless painting for Christmas
This painting, along with my previous one (here, here), is an act of rebellion against our culture’s pervasive nihilism and ugliness, particularly within modern art.
‘Virgin Mary and Child Christ’
Today, I unveil my artwork, Virgin Mary and Child Jesus.
This painting has found a new home with the Companions of the Cross - a Catholic society of apostolic life of diocesan right for men.
The Virgin Mary is the most portrayed female figure in the Western world. And Jesus is without a doubt the most influential figure in human history.
Together, they have shaped humanity’s course forever.

A full breakdown of the painting
Inspired by the Hodegetria tradition of iconography, it portrays the Theotokos - the Mother of God - holding the child Jesus while gesturing toward him with her right hand, inviting viewers to recognize him as the source of salvation.
Creating this piece required weeks of immersing myself in the history of Marian art.
Across centuries, Mary has taken on various forms in Christian art, reflecting theological, cultural, and artistic currents of the time.1
In this icon-inspired artwork, the timeless truths of her role as the Mother of God and Christ’s mission are brought into focus.
Inscribed beside the golden halos are sacred abbreviations: MP OV - Mater Theou (Mother of God) and IC XC for Iesous Christos (Jesus Christ). Jesus’s halo contains the Greek word ὁ ὢν (ho ōn), meaning ‘He Who Is', underscoring his divine nature as Existence Itself (Luke 1:35).
The Virgin Mary gazes at her son, the Savior of the world, her expression filled with a motherly tenderness and vivid awareness of his destiny (Matthew 1:21).
The child raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing, signifying his role as the redeemer.
Around his wrist he wears the crown of thorns (Mark 15:17), foreshadowing his suffering and death on the cross.
In his left hand, he holds a scroll bound with golden strings, symbolizing that he is the Logos - the word made flesh (John 1:14).
To the side, a small table holds a golden plate with bread and grapes, a direct reference to the Eucharist (Mark 14:22 - 24).
This detail is a reminder that Christ’s gift to mankind is his body and blood given for salvation.
Colour plays a pivotal role in imbuing the artwork's symbolic depth. The Virgin’s deep blue mantle reflects divine grace and her blessed nature (Luke 1:28).
Her red garment signifies her humanity, the shared bond between her and all of humankind.
And upon closer inspection, the collar on her red garment bears the sacred abbreviation: MP OV. Reinforcing her role as in the drama of salvation.
Also visible are two of three crosses on the Virgin’s blue mantle (right shoulder, and top of head) signifying the Holy Trinity and that she is ever-Virgin (before, during, and after).
Through the small Gothic-style window in the background, three trees stand as a subtle but powerful element.
These trees hold dual significance. First, the three trees represent the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are lit up by the golden sun behind indicating their unity as One nature, three persons.
Second, the three trees allude to the legend that cedar, pine, and cypress were the woods used to construct Christ’s cross. Thus, they foreshadow the Passion, reminding viewers of the salvific arc of Christ’s life (Matthew 27:45 - 54).
This painting invites contemplation.
It calls us to see beyond the painting, to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s nature, the salvation found in Christ, and the grace of his mother, who always points us toward him.
Finally wishing you a Merry Christmas!
If you’re interested in a print of ‘Virgin Mary and Child Jesus’, reply to this email or leave a comment.
Till next week,
Peace!
I’m now accepting a limited number of painting commissions for 2025. Whether for your religious community or personal collection, this is the time to reserve your spot. Book your time here.
These are the four main books I studied and referenced during this painting: Mary in Western Art, Picturing Mary, Icons Art and Devotion, and Glories of Mary