Free to use stock images of antique Catholic items created hundreds of years ago such as: statues, holy books, chalices, crosses, and more.
This large ivory carving, shaped like a tusk, depicts the Christ Child embracing his mother in a tender pose. It’s an early example of Eleousa, or “Virgin of Tenderness,” used for private devotion in Christian Egypt, notable for the Virgin’s large head, fixed gaze, and angular drapery.
Commissioned by Duke Moritz of Saxony, this medal depicts the Trinity in the form of the Throne of Grace. God the Father holds the cross on which Christ has been crucified, expressing God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, with the Holy Spirit between them in the form of a dove.
One of the most revered icons in the Russian Orthodox church, Our Lady of Kazan represents the Virgin Mary as the patroness of the city of Kazan and the Holy Protectress of Russia.
This remarkable object, meant to be carried in religious processions within a great church, is an example of the high level of skill achieved by 15th-century Italian silversmiths.
This rare and beautifully preserved flask is one of the first to depict St. Sergios on horseback, surrounded by the inscription: "Blessing of the Lord of Saint Sergios." The cult of this 3rd-century saint reached its height of popularity in the 6th century, at the site of his martyrdom in Syria.
A pectoral cross or pectoral is a cross that is worn on the chest, usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. This cross was designed with gold accents, gilt-silver, and cloisonné enamel. It features an image of Christ crucified in the center.
This statue of Archangel Michael at the Day of Judgment stands on a prostrate demon and holds a flaming sword raised in his right hand.
The Virgin is supported by cherubim and stylized clouds and supports the Christ Child in her arms. The painted decoration of the Virgin and Christ Child is original and would contribute to an impression of the royal status of the mother and child.
An ancient crucifix pendant that has been meticulously painted and enameled with gold rock crystal. It was likely used as a rosary or necklace pendant.
These three pieces, now separate, once formed part of a two-winged door in the center of an iconostasis
This armband is made up of seven inscribed medallions.
Saint John the Baptist is shown here interceding with Christ the Judge for the forgiveness of human sins. He is surrounded by Saint Demetrius, Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint Cyril of Belozersk, all similarly turned in prayer toward Christ. 💸Please donate or subscribe to keep...
Christ, seen in the pose of the Just Judge, holds a Gospel book open to John 7:24: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement." Above and below are bright red seraphim, while at the sides are the venerating figures of Sts. Peter, Paul, and...
These three icons form a group. In the center, Christ is represented as the Just Judge, surrounded by seraphim, archangels, and the apostles Peter and Paul. The Virgin and John the Baptist, accompanied by saints, turn toward him with their hands raised in prayer. Each panel is decorated with a...
The image is of two medallions or coins, each bearing the effigy of an individual. The left medallion has the inscription "FRANCISCUS SALESIVS EPISC. GENEV," which likely refers to Francis de Sales, a Roman Catholic saint and Bishop of Geneva. The right medallion has the inscription "IOANNA...
The image shows a clear glass bottle with a painted representation of a figure that appears to be a saint or religious icon. The figure has a halo around its head, suggesting a divine or holy status, and is holding a staff in one hand and a book in the...
About the Images: This exceptional pendant consists of a reliquary cross inside a hinged case with six small adjacent compartments for relics. The impressive amethyst cameo depicting the Virgin and Child on the lid is surrounded by cabochon rubies and emeralds alternating with pearls. The cross and the outer edge...
About the Image: Epitrachelia are liturgical stoles worn only by priests and bishops. This one was specially made for a metropolitan of Cyzicus in Asia Minor. Rather than with the more usual images of saints (cf. Walters 83.315), it is embroidered with illustrations of the 24 strophes of the...
About the Image: Hand crosses like this one are used by priests to bless the faithful. This boxwood carving, set in a lavishly decorated enamel frame, shows God the Father (top), the Three Angels visiting Abraham (center), Christ's Ascension (below), the Annunciation (left), and Christ's Baptism...
About the Image: This ivory piece is one half of a 'panaghiarion,' a case designed to enclose the 'panagia,' bread dedicated to the Virgin in an Orthodox worship service (compare Walters 71.257-258). The relief carving is in the composition known as the Hospitality of Abraham,...
About the Image: This complex icon composition contains more than one hundred tiny figures. In the center sits Christ, identified as Overseer of All. Twelve scenes from Christ’s life surround the central image. Panels with “choruses” of saints frame the icon, each showing Christ Emmanuel blessing a different group...
About the Image: This textile fragment is a Coptic roundel from the 5th century, an era that reflects the transition from the Late Antique period to the early Byzantine era in Egypt. The Coptic textiles from this period are renowned for their intricate weaving techniques, which include tapestry weaves on...
About the Image: This pendant is one of the most beautiful and technically accomplished personal devotional objects to survive from Byzantium. On one side Christ Pantokrator (Ruler of All) blesses the viewer with his right hand and holds the Gospel book in his left. Christ gazes to the side, acknowledging...
About the Image: Images of the Koimesis, or the Dormition in the West, show the Virgin lying on a bier, while her soul, represented as a baby, is offered by Christ to attendant angels who will take it to heaven. The apostles, led by Saints Paul and Peter, stand witness....
