The Orange Madonna of Sumsk
The Orange Madonna of Sumsk
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ~ Luke 2:14
May the peace of Christ and the hope of his birth be with you this Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Nanovic Institute for European Studies
The 2022 Christmas card from the Nanovic Institute for European Studies features the “Orange Madonna of Sumsk,” an icon of Mary in a protective embrace of Jesus. Historically, Mary as a protectress has had special meaning for Ukraine’s defenders, leaders and freedom fighters in their ongoing struggle for a free and democratic nation.
Though formally trained in Greek and Byzantine style iconography, the artist chose to portray the Madonna and Child in the traditional style of eighteenth-century garb of the Sumy region of Ukraine. In her artistic and iconographic work spanning over fifty years, she has developed her own unique style which draws inspiration from Ukrainian iconography and artwork, embroidery, weaving, and clothing styles, and to which she applies a softer countenance to the features and a freer, more modern interpretation of the icon. This approach captures the deep religious tradition of Ukraine and the unique identity of the Ukrainian nation.
The Madonna is draped in an oversized head scarf signifying her protection and embrace, which is a common portrayal of Mary as guardian, patron or protectress. The Madonna kneels in prayer calmly and reflectively watching over Jesus, and encircles Him with her arms and shawl in a loving halo. Jesus, in response to her embrace, holds her with one hand in reassurance, and with His other hand points to a hopeful future. The stylized lines of the traditional clothing and the earthier portrayal of the features is indicative of the artist’s stylistic approach.
About the Artist
Daria Hulak-Kulchytsky is an accomplished iconographer, painter, illustrator and artist, with her work found in many churches, galleries and private residences. She has worked in oil, acrylic, egg tempera, mixed media as well as other forms of graphic arts. Her love of God, Iconography and her Ukrainian heritage led her to formally pursue the study of iconography in 1984 as an apprentice to Juwyinaly Mokrytsky at the Studite Fathers Monastery in Woodstock, Canada. Her work is dedicated to the greater glory of God, as well as the Ukrainian people who have always valiantly struggled to maintain their faith, country and heritage against oppressive regimes.
During the summer of 2021, Notre Dame undergraduate student, Anastasia Matuszak ’23, undertook a Nanovic -supported internship at the Ukrainian Museum Archives in Cleveland where she undertook a research project on Hulak-Kulchytsky’s work. Read more about Matuszak’s research on the Ukrainian Museum Archives’ website and in the article by the Nanovic Institute linked below.
The Nanovic Institute is grateful to Daria Hulak-Kulchytsky and the Ukrainian Museum Archives in Cleveland for their cooperation in the use of this artwork.