Blessed Karl Icon Plaque
This icon was commissioned by The Emperor Karl League of Prayer USA / Canada. Written using the traditional method of prayer and fasting by Bulgarian iconographer Alexander Schelechow, the new icon of Blessed Karl is meant to be a "window to Heaven," conveying a spiritual reality and theological aesthetic that transcends mere portraiture.
Blessed Karl is shown in arrested movement. He is portrayed in stillness because he is becalmed by God. His eyes are shown in an open gaze because they are keenly and prayerfully aware of our world. His lips are closed, expressing true contemplation which requires total silence. Karl is surrounded by a halo of radiating light and is standing against a sheet of gold, showing that he is living in the light of God.
In one hand Karl bears a budded Cross. The four arms with four buds symbolize the four Evangelists and invite discipleship in Christ's ministry. The softness of the buds evoke peace and recall Karl's tireless work for peace during WWI. His left hand is open, inviting contemplation of Christ's salvific work through the Cross.
Above Karl, angels present two crowns. The angel on the left clothed in red, the color of royalty, presents the Crown of Saint Stephen, worn by Karl for his Coronation as King of Hungry on December 30, 1916. The angel on the right clothed in blue and green, the colors of life and heaven, bears a crown of thorns, recalling the suffering that Karl bore working for peace for his country and peoples. Together, both crowns recall Karl's view of his Kingship as Divine Right and the sufferings and sacrifice he was called to make throughout his office and life.
Karl is shown clothed in the ceremonial robes and collar of the Grand Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Founded in 1430 by the Burgundian Duke Philip the Good, the Order is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and Saint Andrew and it would come to help renew the idea of the miles Christus (Christian soldier). The Order's symbol of the lamb is derived from the biblical story of Gideon and the greek myth of Jason. Infused with this imagery from Christian theology and classical mythology, the Order combines the defense of the Christian faith with the honor of Western chivalry. Around the mantle's hem is the motto of Charles the Bold, Je L'ai Empirns (I have undertaken it), recalling the great duty the wearer of the robe carries. The Order of the Golden Fleece has been seen as a symbol of the House of Austria for centuries and Karl was inducted into the order in 1905.
8" x 10" semi-matte print mounted on 3/8" thick wood. Black beveled edge. Keyhole notch at back for easy hanging.