[Art subject] Christian Imagery of Madonna - Essay Example

The Christian Imagery of Madonna Mary, the virgin mother, has remained to be one of the central figures in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Similarly, her images remain to be one of the central icons of both religious denominations. The title of “Madonna” comes from the old Italian term for a well respected/noble lady (“ma” – my, “donna” – lady). Ever since the expansion of the Cult of the Virgin the term has often been used to refer to the Virgin mother of God.

The worship of the virgin mother seems to have flourished during the 4th century (Ladd 54). The earliest depictions of the virgin mother appeared upon sarcophagi, but she is often represented within groups and never given any individual importance (54). During the next 300 years the worship of the virgin mother expanded and representations of her came in various forms and materials. At the arrival of the 10th and 11th century, although art was not given much importance, the Cult of the Virgin saw a steady increase in its followers (55) during this era the virgin was often represented in the forms of “Madonna and the child”, the “Annunciation”, the “Nativity” and the “Worship of the Magi” (55).

Naturally a large number of artworks depicting biblical figures and scenes can be found in churches and other venues for worship, just like in the St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, USA. Among the major artworks housed in the cathedral is a collection of stained glass by Charles Connik and an altar piece made by a Florentine artist, Neri di Bicci, which depicts the Madonna and Child surrounded by six saints. It can be noted that the image of the Madonna is prominent throughout the cathedral in various forms.

From paintings, to statues, to carvings, and even stained glass the Madonna is portrayed in different roles and scenarios. Mentioned earlier is the artwork done by Florentine artist Neri di Bicci, Madonna and Child surrounded by six saints, dated to have been done in 1456. The artwork depicts the virgin mother sitting on a (heavenly) throne while holding the infant Jesus on her lap ("Madonna and Child with Saints"). Both the central figures are surrounded by six saints who are seemingly engaged in a conversation either with each other and/or with the Madonna and Child.

Immediately noticeable is the regal aura that comes off from the virgin mother sitting on her queenly throne. In typical theological concept, the enthroned Madonna stands for the virgin mother as the Queen of Heaven (Hurll 37). A closer look at the altarpiece shows that the virgin is clothed in seemingly fine garments, something fit for a lady of her supposed standing (as the queen of heaven). Her facial feature is also finely sculpted, showing a regal demeanor rather than the gentle, homely mother type.

One cannot help but wonder if this particular work of art is heavily influenced by the Byzantine period. As for the saints surrounding the Madonna and child, an emblem was painted together with each saint in order to help the viewers identify those who were included in the painting. Starting from the far left, the saints included in the portrait are St. Luke the Evangelist, St. Bartholomew, St. Lawrence, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin of Tours, and St. Sebastian ("The Virgin and Child with Six Saints").

It can also be noted that since the saints have been included in this portrait, the virgin mother seems to have been enthroned in glory. When comparing this version of Madonna to those others in the cathedral, again this version gives of the air of regality among all the other depictions of the virgin mother. Take into account the Lady of Grace in the north transept of the cathedral. The Madonna is depicted with her hands open and her head bowed in humility, the virgin is also clothed in humble garments as compared to her grand clothes in the painting.

If one is to guess, the statue probably suggests that the virgin is acting as an intercessor for the church and the people. Another depiction of the virgin mother in the cathedral is in the shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mary with the child Jesus). The Madonna is shown holding the child Jesus in her hands, who in turn is holding an apple, a seeming reminder of the fruit which led to man’s fall from grace. Although this Madonna is clothed in seemingly fine garment, the grandeur exhibited by the first Madonna and Child is still lacking.

The blessed virgin’s face is also kinder and gives off a more “maternal” aura than the former Madonna and Child. Lastly, in the cathedral sacristy the Seattle Madonna can be found on the stained glass window. Again the Madonna is depicted holding the infant Jesus but this time they are surrounded by flowers and other plants. The Madonna is not clothed in rich garments although there a crown (or what appears to be a crown) on hear head, still depicting her status as a queen (the queen of heaven).

The Madonna and Child both sport expressions that are “relaxed” or “friendly” in nature, rather than the stiff and sculpted facial expression on the former Madonna and Child. Works CitedHurll, Estelle M. "Chapter II: The Madonna Enthroned." The Madonna In Art. Forgotten Books, 1897. 37. Print.Ladd, Henry M. An Essay on the Madonna in Christian Art. Tuttle, Morehouse & Taylor, 1874. 54. Print."Madonna and Child with Saints." The Renaissance comes to life. N.p., 2005. Web. 15 July 2012. ."The Virgin and Child with Six Saints.

" Neri di Bicci Madonna and Child. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 July 2012. .