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.

Traditional Catholic art gains a compelling new medium in gallery wrap canvas. Canvases featuring this modern art trend combine special printing technology and the technical skill of our Steubenville craftsmen to carefully wrap and tuck the canvas around the back of a 3/4" thick engineered wood mount. This method creates an impressive visual display with a faux 3D effect as the image continues around all visible sides of the mount. The canvas is free of visible staples or tacks and stands alone with no need for a frame. Each canvas hangs with a wire in the back and has an attractive satin-matte finish.

A simple, neat, and beautiful way to adorn your home, office, or parish - or even to give as a gift to a friend, relative, or priest. Handcrafted at our shop in Steubenville, OH.

( GWC-4061 )