Our Lady of Light

Commissioned from Russian artist Natalia Tsarkova by the Primavera Foundation, created by an American couple, to renew the vitality of Christian culture through the fine arts, "Our Lady of Light" depicts the five new mysteries of the Rosary, the Mysteries of Light, introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002. In meditating on the meaning of the new mysteries, Tsarkova imagined Our Lady, serene and beautiful, walking across clouds. With one hand she dispels the dark clouds of despair, replacing them with warm, golden light, and nestled in her other arm, Baby Jesus, the hope of humanity, looks out at the viewers. Tsarkova chose to represent the mysteries of the Rosary as angels. The Luminous Mysteries erupt from Heaven, shimmering with light. The angel offering an open book symbolizes these new mysteries, whereas the angels of the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries are paired together as a study in contrast. The joyful angel comforts the sorrowful one by pointing up towards the new mysteries. At the lower corner of the canvas, the angel representing the Glorious Mysteries blows a trumpet, proclaiming the Luminous Mysteries to mankind. "Our Lady of Light" is an inspiring masterpiece of theological art. Limited edition reproductions are exhibited in the following locations among others world wide: The Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center in Jerusalem, Israel; The University of Sacramento in Sacramento, California; and Mater Ecclesiae College in Wakefield, Rhode Island.