Hello. I've seen images (ancient paintings by different artists) of Mary in "Miraculous Images of Our Lady: 100 Famous Catholic Portraits and Statues" by Joan Carroll Cruz, in which She is wearing a star-like jewel on her right shoulder. I can refer to specific page numbers if asked (by other owners of said book). My question: Why the placement of a starred jewel on Her right shoulder? Thank you.
Quite simple Our heavenly mother is the morning star quote from Stella maris Web page below Our Lady is often picture as the Madonna of the Star. Stars are embroidered on Her veil or on the right shoulder of Her blue mantle. Art glorifies Her as the Morning Star, the Star of the Sea, the Star of Jacob, the Fixed Star.
Thank you. What confused me is that these have a brooch-like appearance; as though a work of jewelry affixed to Her clothing, reminiscent of a "fashion statement." In these ancient paintings, it simply struck me as "modern."
Artists often used models when painting pictures depicting Our Lady. The models would have been dressed in clothing typical of what was worn by the noble ladies of their time, including jewellery. Also, there was a custom in some countries of wealthy people attaching jewels to icons. See attached history of the icon of Our Lady of Bethlehem: https://stmarysofpahokee.com/our-lady-of-bethlehem I don't know whether that custom was peculiar to the Russian empire or to Churches of the East.
