In this book the author meditates on the importance of the Madonna in the spiritual history of Europe and its significance in European art throughout the centuries.
[Mary in Western Art]. In this book the author meditates on the importance of the Madonna in the spiritual history of Europe and its significance in European art throughout the centuries, analysing the theological, devotional and cultural meanings she has had in the course of time. This book lays no claim to be a critical reconstruction of the evolution of the Marian doctrine, nor can be considered an iconographic handbook, but it intends mainly to conjure up the emotional aspects of the Marian cult, paying attention to common themes and differences in the depiction of Mary across Europe. The book is structured into three sections: The Figure, based on the theological significance of The Virgin, has a thematic approach; The Woman, follows the representation of individual episodes in the life of Mary, according to the Gospels and apocryphal sources; The City and the Cult, analyses the forms of devotions and related activities in a city – Florence – where Mary is particularly worshipped. The volume presents a rich iconography that put together 2000 years of Marian iconography coming from churches and museums all around the world.