Virgin Mary

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The depiction of the Virgin Mary through the Medieval and Renaissance period was important in that it helped to raise the status of women in Western society. The art and literature of the times presented the Virgin Mary as a human mother exhibiting divine qualities through being the Mother of God. The influence of these qualities can be seen in the art of the Renaissance and specifically in the "Chartre" Cathedral. The literature of the Renaissance also compared the role of Eve and the original sin to that of the Virgin Mary and her divinity in being chosen to give birth the Christ. The stain glass of the churches in Renaissance Europe also depict typical biblical scenes to educate and symbolize beliefs of the faith.

The primary reason for the growth of the adoration of the Virgin Mary during the Medieval and Renaissance Period was her symbolic power that was brought forth through art, sculpture and literature. She captured the Christians imagination through both popular devotion and a theological reflection of God in works created through out the Renaissance. It was the image of the "Mother of the Redeemer," featuring the merciful kindness of the Savior and of His mother as companion in the redemption work of her son to show her divine right to her God.

During the Renaissance, the Virgin Mary was prevalent theme throughout this period where artists such as: Fra Angelico, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Bothicellical and Perugino were inspired to paint the Virgin Mary. The paintings show a motherly pleasant looking women holding or caring for her child. The paints are capturing the Mary as a human but giving her a divine appearance. The child being Christ shows her power by giving birth to him and by caring for the Son of God. In essence providing love, caring, and protection for the young child of God. For example, plate 15 and frame 23, these plates show a compassionate caring mother that is humanistic in depiction but larger or more encompassing of the painting than the Christ child. This is implying her importance in the early life of Christ. This also shows the power or her earthly influence over the child even though she is a human and not a deity. This gives her a special place in the church as the earthly Mother that is the most perfect of humans, other than Christ.

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