In this Austrian image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lord's left hand holds his heart - flaming, pierced, bleeding, and shining forth with brilliant light - while his right hand gently gestures toward it, revealing his nail-pierced palm. Jesus' sweet expression is one of love and compassion as he makes direct eye contact with the viewer.

The unknown Austrian artist who painted this image was likely a devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or Herz Jesu, not only because of the intensely spiritual composition of the painting, but also because the powerful devotion of the people of Austria is well-known and quite storied. In 1796, threatened with invasion by the French army of Napoleon, Political leaders and town representatives from across the small Austrian state of Tyrol gathered together and consecrated their land to the Herz Jesu. The Austrian people then showed their devotion by lighting fires in the shape of the Herz Jesu across the grassy slopes of the Alps. This became an annual tradition that continues in Austria to this day, over 200 years later, with processions and special mass celebrations on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In the image, Christ looks loving out towards the viewer while holding his sacred heart. The heart is adorned with a crown of thorns, a flame, and a cross and is surrounded by a ray of light.

(Print Size: 13"x19")

( PRI-4061 )