When doing a simple google search I found that this is one of the most popular images of the Virgin Mary since it was top of the list (I mean who knows the secrets behind search engines?). Search engines are text based, so this could mean that the image is often used as an illustration in texts that concerns the Virgin Mary. It is called "The Immaculate Heart of Mary" and is believed to have been made in the nineteenth century. What kind of image is it?

The motif is based on the devotional name of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, where her emotional virtues and experiences as the Mother of God is recognized, particularly her love of God, her Son and all Christians. We can see a burning heart with a band of white roses in front of her chest, sending rays of light that reflects on her left hand. As an art historian (I am a secular Protestant in case you are wondering) analyzing this depiction of the Virgin I also notice her appearance. Her young beautiful face, with a compassionate expression. Blue eyes and light brown hair. She wears her traditional colors of red and blue, together with a white vail. She points with her right hand towards the burning heart, that also is the symbol of Christ and his eternal love.

This image is probably made for private devotion, where the Virgin is the intermediator between man and Christ. She listens to your prayers and worries, points to the solution that is loving her Son. She is compassionate and angelic, a friend in need and not judgmental. You can also contemplate on her life and mission, use it as an inspiration for your own if you chose and believe in her existence. I think the picture is popular because it reflects multiple ideas of the Virgin, and that makes it useful for devotion. It also gives her the most common look — the sum of her most popular expression in modern visual culture.