The objection that the iconoclasts had to a painting such as this one is that the image promotes worship of Mary over God.
Based on the image, it would seem that Mary is far more important in Christian religion according to what she looks like, and where she is sitting, and that baby Jesus is not as relevant as she is. Iconoclasts were a group of people who wanted to destroy religious icons anyways.
Doing good deeds is not a mean to salvation.
The main reason pilgrims often have hard times attracting followers is the fear of change.
"Soviets follow Stalin so eagerly despite his atrocities because under the Stalinist Soviet government, people benefited from some social liberalization. Girls were given an adequate, equal education and women had equal rights in employment, improving lives for women and families."
