Madonna and child in Italy
It is Christmas and the holidays have inspired me to take a closer look at our photos of Madonna and child from various parts of Italy.
Wikipedia has a very interesting and learned article on Madonna. This Italian word for my Lady that became an integral part of art terminology describing representations of Mary alone or with her child Jesus.
Two versions of Madonna and child spotted in Venice.
In Italy these representations are everywhere. From the world famous churches and art galleries to the modest roadside chapels. There is almost always a Madonna in sight, which makes it perfect for a game of spotto, when there are kids around.
And even though the Madonnas on this page are not painted by Michelangelo or Caravaggio, the details can still be pretty captivating. Like the Madonna from Dogliani in Cuneo, Piedmont, who is publicly breastfeeding her infant. The chubby child eyeing an owl on a wooden bollard in the Venetian lagoon. Or the figure of mother and child entangled in rosary necklaces in Santa Maria di Castellabate south of Salerno, Campania. They are all very different representations of the same idea, and I’m sure you will get to see more like it over the Christmas week.
Madonna and child seen in Santa Maria di Castellabata, Grottaglie, Altamura, Dogliani, Taranto, Nardó, Assisi, Genova and Fasano. You can click on the photo to enlarge.
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Fantastic art history lesson Mette. Love your content, examples and narrative.
Wow. Thank you:D
You nailed this post with the pictures, Mette! I’m always awestruck by the history in all things especially for posts from overseas. Wow, I got sidetracked. I did click on our Wikipedia link for a read up. To use your word…captivating indeed! :)
Always glad to distract:)
Merry Christmas! :)
Such a lovely post for Christmas. I think Italy is one of the best countries where one can spend Xmas.
Yes. There is no shortage of religious symbols:)
Merry Christmas! Love your site!
Thank you. And merry Christmas to you too:)
What a great tribute to the Madonna and fitting for Christmas. Love all the different versions of the Madonna you captured in your travels. They’re all beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mette!
Thank you Mary. And the same to you and yours:)
A lot can be said of Catholicism, but one thing I like is the focus on the mother role. She seems to have been completely forgotten in the Protestant world. Very interesting post, Mette.
Never thought about that before, but you’re right. The mother is treated like a surrogate.
Thanks for this post on Mary and Baby Jesus representations. Great pictures! :-)
Thanks
Lovely selection :) I just saw Monuments Men – a reference to a Madonna with child was made there :)
How interesting – now I have an excuse to go to the cinema too:)