The Infant of Prague

 

This is my own Infant of Prague statue, 

given to me by my Grandmother when I was seven.

History of the Infant Jesus of Prague

From the site: Home 

The original statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague was created as a royal wedding gift from a Spanish Princess to her Austrian royal cousin. The statue of the Infant is a slender and beautifully-modeled figure and is carved of wood thinly coated with wax, standing nineteen inches tall, with the left foot barely visible under a long white tunic. The left hand encircles a miniature globe, surmounted by a cross, signifying the world-wide kingship of the Christ Child. The right hand is extended in blessing with the first two fingers being upraised to symbolize the two natures of Christ, while the folded thumb and last two fingers touch each other representing the unity of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit in the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.

The face has a strange power of evoking sentiments of deep gratitude of the mystery of God-made-Man. For all His majestic posture and regal attire, the little King of Prague is more striking for His outward expression of human littleness than by the impression of hidden greatness. The wardrobe of the Infant is similar to the priest’s alb: one is of white linen, the other is of lace. Covering these is a dalmatic made of silk or velvet over which is worn a cape. It represents the Infant Jesus dressed in royal robes, wearing a crown. He is King of the Universe.

Later, the statue had been discarded in war and His hands destroyed. Found by a Carmelite, he fixed the hands and placed the statue in a place of honor in the Carmelite Church in Prague, Czech Republic.

In 1637, as Fr. Cyril prayed before the Infant, he was filled with wonder, contemplating the loving God Who became a child for His people. 

Suddenly, the statue spoke to the stunned Carmelite: “Have mercy on Me and I will have mercy on you. Give Me hands and I will give you peace. The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you.”

Many miracles have occurred through intercession to the Divine Infant. During one invasion, all the children of the city were taken to the Church for protection—praying to the Infant, they were all saved. For almost four centuries, this promise of protection and blessing has inspired devotion and love of the Infant Jesus of Prague.

The home of the Infant Jesus of Prague is in the city of Prague, which is the capital of the Czech Republic. The original statue has been restored and preserved in the Carmelite church of Our Lady of Victory. The Church was returned to the Carmelites after the fall of Communism. The statue provides spiritual uplift for millions of people who have adopted the Holy Infant’s call to humility, simplicity, and sincerity and to become little in order to become great and pleasing before Christ the King.

Devotion to the Miraculous Infant Jesus celebrates the “Child of God”—the great mystery of the Incarnation. The child in all of us believes in the humanity and divinity of Christ and rejoices in God’s caring and protective love for us. The Infant reminds us that God is holding us in the palm of His hand.

The effective spiritual meditation is the reason why the Infant Jesus of Prague is so continuously appealing to human hearts all over the world, which he has so firmly in His hands. You can find His statue in almost any church, convent, monastery and house, representing a Divine Protection toward His devotees.

"Rudy" of the Univ. of Notre Dame football team and Iconic Realism

Daniel E. Ruettiger, "Rudy" of the 1975 Notre Dame football team (Google Images) 

                                                 

'Rudy' portrayed by Sean Astin in the film (Google Images)

In the film, Rudy, Daniel E. Ruettiger's dream of becoming a member of the iconic Notre Dame football team illustrates iconic realism in that this student, a most iconic, unlikely candidate for achievement at the prestigious University of Notre Dame, placed himself in such a candidacy through his perseverance. This action led to successful achievement of his personal goals. Rudy wasn't the highest achieving student, so no one in his family thought he could achieve this goal of attending the Univ. of Notre Dame, let alone play on the football team, but he was determined, and that determination was an inspiration. The film, portraying his struggle to achieve his goals, has become an American classic, illustrating the cultural belief that a stalwart commitment to a positive dream can contribute to its becoming a reality. 

Humbly, I am thankful to the University of Notre Dame for housing my book in their library. 

You can hear me explain this analysis on my Podomatic page by clicking HERE. 

Fourth Week of Advent, and looking forward to 2026

As the final week of Advent 2025 arrives, I am concluding my obligations at the university, and finally, I have the time to enjoy the splendor of peace and preparation for the Christmas season and the beginning of a New Year. Although we only have a dusting of snow on the ground, we've been promised by the meteorologists that snow is on its way. Therefore, I fill my heart and mind with gratitude for health, love, music, and joy in my life as I prepare for this festive end to 2025. 

Wishing you all a blessed Holiday Season!

Charles Schulz's 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and Iconic Realism

Click HERE to view a scene from the show.

Photo from Google Images of Charles Schulz's 

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz illustrates iconic realism in that Schulz creates a film with  children, iconic representatives of the Christmas season. These children, however, are independent of adult supervision as they prepare a presentation of the meaning of Christmas for an iconic Holiday performance. 

Through his humble choice of a Christmas tree, the character, Charlie Brown, demonstrates the seasonal message of hope and love while the other children learn that through collaboration they, too, are able to understand the profound seasonal message of good will as they create a delightful celebration of Christmas.

May you all be blessed with a lovely Holiday season!

To hear my reading of this, just click HERE.

Structure and Interpretation

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci

from Google Images

From my first book, page 19: 

However an audience incorporates and assimilates information gained from perceiving a work of art, each member of the audience will structure the information in order to create interpretation. The wide scope of interpretation evolves with the audience's perception of the art form, which characterizes the multiple associations within a singular work of art. 

For example, the interpretation of Mona Lisa's eyes from each subsequent century since her debut has rested on her ambivalent countenance. Although content remains fixed, the historicity of the audience determines the variety of interpretations of her smile or any work of art for that matter. 

A Christmas Savor

Holy Family by Rembrandt, 1640.  

Oil on wood. Musee du Louvre, Paris 

I wrote this poem after hearing a conversation in the grocery store about how many bottles of cloves a woman needed for her hot mulled wine. She thought 4 bottles would do. I thought to myself, "Good gracious, woman! How much mulled wine will you be serving at this party?"

Iconic Realism: God's Son, King of the Universe, born in a humble stable, nurses on His holy Mother, Mary as any baby does with his mother. Cultural dilemma highlighted: Through humility, we learn the power of God.  

Then, I pondered about the true meaning of celebrating Christmas, drinking today versus then, arrogance versus humility, and this poem arrived: 

A Christmas Savor

What shall I drink? Egg nog or grog?

What did the Holy Family drink

on that holiest of nights?

Did Mary lean over to Joseph

after giving birth to Jesus and say,

“Joseph, be a dear and pour me 

another glass of Chardonnay?”

To which Joseph replied,

“Mary Darling, all we have is 

a little mulled wine left over

from the party the other day.”

Or…

Did a father, proud

after such a long trip

offer his lovely bride a sip

of water to give her joy

upon delivering this

beautiful, healthy boy?

Did the baby cry

in a humble home

and looking to his mum,

so beautiful and warm,

snuggle up to 

her swollen breast

and savor sweet milk

from the Mother Blessed?

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

Saint Nicholas and Iconic Realism

The Charity of Saint Nicholas 

by Girolamo Macchietti, c. 1580

Saint Nicholas is an obscure individual, but the man that many Christians honor on December 6 was most likely the Bishop of Myra during Constantine the Great's era in the 4th century A.D.  It has been said that he performed various miracles in regard to saving children from the harsh realities of that time. Eventually, he was honored in Holland, where he was known as Sinterklaas and on to the American colonies, New Amsterdam in particular. New Amsterdam would become New York City, and here in the United States, we are all familiar with Santa Claus. 

Now, how does this saintly man illustrate my semiotic theory of iconic realism? 

1. He is a realistic, iconic figure. 

2. His story presents him as one who was able to perform miracles, placing him in iconic, realistic settings, not associated with those in power at that time. 

3. Even though he had certain administrative powers within Church Law, he chose to help the innocent and less fortunate in order to transform people's hearts, bringing them closer to the Mind of God. 

Frank Capra's 'It's a Wonderful Life' and Iconic Realism (Click this title to view bar scene from the film.)

Photo from Google Images: bar scene from film, It's a Wonderful Life

The 1946 film, It's a Wonderful Life, produced and directed by Frank Capra, illustrates iconic realism through the character of Clarence the angel. Here, an icon of virtue takes the good-hearted man, George Bailey, by the hand to show him the positive impact he has made on the consciousness of his hometown. 

This juxtaposition of the wealth in righteousness versus the poverty of the inane demonstrates how one individual's benevolent acts can positively affect the lives and ultimately the culture of a community. 

Happy Thanksgiving! (Click the photo below to hear some lovely Thanksgiving Hymns.)

Photo from Google Images

As Thanksgiving Day draws near, and we Americans reflect upon the many blessings in our lives, I extend my sincere thanks to all of you ladies and gentlemen who have visited this blog. Your kind words and gentle spirits have meant the world to me. 

God bless! ~ Dr. Jeanne Iris

The Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre and Iconic Realism

 

The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre 

 MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images

When the power outage occurred after the opening night of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, something close to miraculous happened. The debauchery that took place during the opening ceremonies was offensive, rude, and had nothing to do with Parisian art. It was a direct insult to Christians worldwide and to our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

However, God is in charge, and when those lights went out, and a large portion of the Parisian landscape stood in darkness, one structure remained bright, welcoming, and a true testament of our Lord's power of Love and redemption. That structure was the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre. 

This image illustrates the semiotic theory of iconic realism in that it shows the world that even in the midst of darkness, both literal and figurative, an iconic piece of architecture can brilliantly demonstrate the constant presence of our Lord. 

Iconic Realism and Commercial Use

(Image from Google Images)

A few years ago, I had viewed a TV commercial for a national American bank. The ad began with footage of an adorable, well-fed, happy baby, followed by a series of events that could affect this baby during his/her lifetime, placing the iconic image of innocence juxtaposed with the risks of adult decisions, bringing the audience to the recognition that their savings would earn wonderful dividends if placed in this bank. 

In another commercial, a hybrid automobile is placed in the middle of a lush, wooded glen. Little by little, the writers narrate the environmental benefits of owning this car. Again, the placement of an icon for modern society in the middle of the natural environment makes a statement about the cultural movement for earthly stewardship (as well as the adaptability of that particular car to a variety of terrains).  

However, they never mentioned the cost of maintaining such a vehicle. Hmmm... food for thought in another commercial perhaps...

Indeed, the use of iconic realism is a creative means to sell a product!

Sándor Liezen-Mayer's Painting, "St. Elisabeth of Hungary" and Iconic Realism

Sándor Liezen-Mayer Saint Elisabeth of Hungary

Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest

During the Christmas season, we see paintings depicting the birth of Jesus. As a woman of Hungarian ancestry (Lakatos is Hungarian for 'locksmith'), I was intrigued by this beautiful painting of St. Elisabeth of Hungary by Sandor Liezen-Mayer. Here, we see a Madonna-like figure and her infant child in a lowly state with Elisabeth extending her royal cloak to them.

An example of iconic realism, this painting illustrates the humility of the origins of Christian precepts and the balance of power when this humility extends from all levels of society. Liezen-Mayer does this through the variation of color, shading, and interaction between the architecture and human figures. Tragically widowed at the age of 20, Szent Erzsébet devoted her short life to charitable works in Germany and Europe. She died in 1231, at the age of 24. Her feast day is November 17. 

Harriet Tubman and Iconic Realism

                                                                      (Photos from Google Images)

Harriet Tubman, aka "Moses of the Underground Railroad"

Harriet S. Tubman: Born Araminta Ross, c. March 1822, Dorchester County, Maryland, U.S.A. Died: March 10, 1913 in Auburn, New York, U.S.A.

During the early nineteenth century, when slavery was prevalent in the southern United States, a woman named Harriet Tubman had actually escaped to the north via the “Underground Railroad.” She decided to do something to help the enslaved individuals find freedom in the northern states and even further north in Canada and earned the title of "Moses" of the Underground Railroad. Eventually, she worked as an agent for the Union during the Civil War. (American Biography Channel)

Harriet Tubman illustrates the theory of iconic realism in that she was a former slave, physically weakened by the actions of a former slave owner, yet she rose above her horrific circumstances to become a woman on whom many relied to make their way to freedom. Not only that, but the actual government that established the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793, ended up hiring her as an agent for the Union Army during the American Civil War. 

Here, we have an iconic figure, placing herself in an environment not usually associated with such a woman, placed in that precarious environment in order to bring about a cultural transformation. In this case, that would be freedom for the enslaved. The most current recognition of this amazing woman is that it has been proposed to have her image representing the United States of America on the new 2030 dollar bill, but at this writing, I'm not sure if that will occur or not. 

Click on the link below to view a short biography of Mrs. Harriet Tubman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmsNGrkbHm4

Thank you, Veterans! 

From Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, United States Marine Corps: 

It is the soldier, not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,

who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,

who salutes the flag,

who serves under the flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag,

who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Goethe's 'Dr. Faust, The Tragedy' and Iconic Realism

Photo from Google Images

In his play, Faust: The Tragedy (Faust. Der Tragödie), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe provides an illustration of iconic realism in that he places an iconic character, Mephistopheles, representing the complexities of evil/negation in the presence of the realistic, emotionally charged character, Dr. Faust, who struggles with his own perception of a quality human experience.

The disguised Mephistopheles makes a deal with Faust, and cultural lessons unfold. In the end, through the interactions of the feminine character, Gretchen, Mephistopheles, and Faust, an unlikely trio, Goethe elucidates his audience of redeeming cultural virtues of honesty, integrity, and perseverance.

Feeling and Realism in Artistic Expression (Click here to view an example of art and reality.)

Bill Shannon's 'Crutch[es]'

photo from Duck Duck Go Images from kqed.org

 

Artistic choice enables the audience to experience an historical and emotional bond with the artist. For example, if pleasure and pain are derived through the senses, then the realism with which an artist chooses to place an iconic representation will provide the audience and the artist certain sensory stimuli to which the audience responds through the experience of consciously receiving the artistic renderings (Lakatos 39). One connects with artistic expression by responding to the extension of the artist. Thus, the artist and the audience become collaborators in their interpretation of the presented work of art.

In the example of Bill Shannon's "Crutch", he explains the varying responsive communication between artist and audience. He demonstrates iconic realism in the following manner. He uses a crutch, an icon for limitation, and turns it into a vehicle of mastery, leverage, competence, and capability. Brilliant!

Jeanne d'Arc and Iconic Realism

        

                    

                                                                                     Jeanne d'Arc's Death at the Stake,                                    

                                       by Hermann Stilke (1803–1860)                            

For All Saints Day, I present to you my patron saint, Jeanne D'Arc. I've chosen this painting to illustrate iconic realism. Images merge within this painting of Jeanne d’Arc to provide an interpretation that represents the presence of hope that humanity, with all its industry, will recognize the value in the temporal nature of innocence. Interpretation of this work of art may include a variety of perspectives to complement the number of viewers of the specific art. At this moment of perception, then, the artist and the viewer become collaborators. 

     Once this cognitive collaboration between artist and viewer occurs, the cultural interpretation begins to transform into a collection of new perspectives, based on the historicity of the viewers. New perceptions of a creative work shape newly actualized interpretations of the original work of art, which eventually become accepted interpretations by a community. Once the community recognizes these interpretations, the iconic becomes a reality.

     Through the establishment of an iconic figure within the mind-set of the community, an artist can then place this icon in a new reality that the community does not accept as the normal setting for this iconic figure. This placement allows the artist to make a statement that brings awareness to the community’s consciousness of an aspect within its culture that may need some attention. Jeanne d'Arc illustrated iconic realism in that she was a woman dressed in armor as a medieval man would be, leading French armies for God. In this role, she was able to win freedom for France even though it cost her life. Thus, warring for freedom led to her own spiritual freedom.