The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (lat. Immaculata Conceptio Beatae Virginis Mariae) represents a theme that did not emerge from renowned miraculous visions but instead reflects a doctrinal branch of Catholicism. It is founded on the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived immaculately and therefore did not inherit original sin. This belief originated in early Christian times, as evidenced by apocryphal texts, including the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew. It gained significant prominence in Europe during the early modern period, including in the territories of Ukraine. This is confirmed by artworks such as the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Righteous Anna from the late 18th century, originally located in the church of Novosilky, Turia deanery, and now preserved at the Museum of Volyn Icon, as well as the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary by J. Kondzelevych from the 1722 Voshchativ Iconostasis, held at the Lviv National Museum.

The growing popularity of the belief in the Immaculate Conception led to the formal establishment of the corresponding dogma in the Catholic Church by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The classical iconography of this subject was pioneered by the artist Francisco Pacheco in the 16th century. In such representations, the Virgin Mary is depicted as a young maiden with hands crossed or clasped in prayer. Her halo is formed by twelve stars, and beneath her feet lie the globe and/or a crescent moon, alongside a serpent with an apple in its jaws, symbolizing victory over original sin.

Skop M., Sacred Sculpture in Public Spaces of Lviv, 1992-2023: Iconography and Presentation Concepts. Lviv, 2023.

Icons “Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary”