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This is a beautiful, high-quality Christian icon depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in the traditional Panagia "The Refuge of All" (Katafege) presentation. It features stunning, vibrant colors with ornate gold-leaf detailing on a solid wood block, capturing the timeless elegance of Eastern Christian sacred art.
The reverse side of the icon features a crisp, official commemorative stamp identifying this piece as a bespoke presentation gift created for Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo (1930–2006), a highly prominent Vatican diplomat.
This specific icon was commissioned and gifted to the Archbishop to commemorate his presence and leadership at the historic Orientale Lumen III Conference, which took place in Washington, D.C. from June 15–18, 1999. The Orientale Lumen conferences are renowned international ecumenical summits dedicated to dialogue and unity between the Eastern and Western Christian Churches.
A truly remarkable collector's piece for anyone interested in Vatican history, Catholic diplomacy, or fine Eastern Christian iconography.
