Madonna and Child

Group Details

The figures of Madonna and Child have been depicted in many ways throughout art history. Mary is almost always with Jesus, but there are instances in which she is alone—either in prayer, giving a blessing or a gesture of prophecy. When the works include Jesus, Madonna can be seen as a full-length figure holding the baby who raises his hand in benediction, often towards the viewer. In altarpieces, Madonna and Child will be in the presence of angels or saints—referred to as “Madonna enthroned.” There are other pieces, particularly created in the 14th century, in which Mary is sitting on the ground or a low cushion. Beyond those depictions, she can also be seen seated (not on the ground) holding Jesus in a way that looks more maternal than formal. One style called “Adoring Madonna” is of Mary as she kneels in devotion to Christ. This format is typically painted on smaller altarpieces so that viewers could have it for their personal use. And finally, Mary is also seen doing what many mothers do; at times, she is breastfeeding her child.

The Madonna and Child type is very prevalent in Christian iconography, divided into many traditional subtypes especially in Eastern Orthodox iconography, often known after the location of a notable icon of the type, such as the Theotokos of Vladimir, Agiosoritissa, Blachernitissa, etc., or descriptive of the depicted posture, as in Hodegetria, Eleusa, etc.

Welcome to other my God groups:

https://www.desktopnexus.com/groups/mary-mother-of-jesus/
https://www.desktopnexus.com/groups/holy-family/
https://www.desktopnexus.com/groups/angels-of-god/
https://www.desktopnexus.com/groups/holy-trinity/  https://www.desktopnexus.com/groups/holy-spirit/  https://www.desktopnexus.com/groups/king-and-queen-of-heaven/