Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn (Catholic tradition)

The lithograph shows a half-length image of the Mother of God without the Infant. The Mother of God's head is inclined to the left, her eyes lowered, her hands crossed on her chest. Above her head are two richly decorated crowns: the lower one of a closed, "mitre-like" type, the upper one a large closed crown with arches and a cross finial. Around her head is a golden round halo with long rays and stars. Angels are depicted within the field of the crowns and halo. The Mother of God's maphorion and robes are richly covered with a golden floral ornament: stylized flowers, roses, tulips, and leaves. On her neck are several rows of white and pink beads, complemented by two pink bows and pendants in the form of crosses. The background is cobalt-toned, framed by a rectangular golden ornamental border.

Legend: in both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions, the Ostra Brama Icon of the Mother of God is venerated as the chief holy relic of Vilnius (Lithuania). Since the late 17th century, the icon has remained almost continuously in the gate-chapel above the gate of the Vilnius city wall known as the "Sharp Gate" or "Gate of Dawn." The image takes its name from this gate.

Among icons of the Mother of God shown without the Infant, the Ostra Brama image is distinguished by a particular purity, depth of feeling, and serenity. The Virgin Mary's face conveys the moment of her awareness of her difficult future destiny, which she nonetheless accepts with dignity, striving to fulfill her exalted calling.

The faithful pray before this icon for peace and well-being in the family, the restoration of harmony between spouses, and the strengthening of family bonds.

The Ostra Brama Icon of the Mother of God is known not only through numerous copies; its wide dissemination is also confirmed by the large number of printed reproductions, which contributed to the popularization of this venerated image.