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  • Essay / "Mary Queen of...

    Mary, Queen of Heaven, by the Master of the Legend of Saint Lucia, is a striking example of Marian art. The work, when first viewed, might appear simple - a typical, albeit grand, depiction of the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven - an event depicted countless times in religious art. However, this is no ordinary Christian painting. Every inch contains symbolism, intricate details, movement or religious iconography. Rather than simply being a piece to be seen, Mary, Queen of Heaven offers an experience and prompts the viewer to think and reflect on the imagery, as well as the larger message. The Virgin Mary is depicted as the largest figure shown, taking up a large portion of the composition, particularly vertically she is placed almost directly in the center, making it very clear that she is the subject of the work. The work, measuring 78 7/16 x 63 11/16 inches, appears to be. overshadow the viewer, while the subtle details entice the viewer to look closer. The result is the illusion of being swallowed up by the image: the viewer is almost in the scene with the Virgin. Its large size reflects the importance of the Virgin Mary in Christian belief, while making her easily visible from further away. The size, subject matter, and iconography of the work suggest that this work was created as a devotional panel, intended for display in a church, sanctuary, or oratory. The work contains images that suggest three different events in the Bible: the coronation of the Virgin as queen of heaven, the assumption of the Virgin into heaven, and the apocalypse. Mary is depicted surrounded by angels who hold out their hands and guide her toward heaven, where the Holy Trinity waits to crown her. This of...... middle of paper ......the like Queen of Heaven. She is dressed in a fine velvet dress lined with precious stones and wears a jeweled crown. Even the colors of her robes – rich blues and reds – convey her noble status in heaven. Her eyes are partially closed and her hands clasped in prayer, giving her a serene and holy appearance, despite the whirlwind of activity around her. The Virgin appears as if she is brilliantly illuminated, implying that she is an enlightened figure and accentuating her holiness. The legend of Mary, Queen of Heaven, from the Master of Saint Lucy is not only great in its size, but also in its message. There is a lot of symbolism, delicate details and religious imagery. However, the artist succeeds in drawing the viewer into the work, prompting them to carefully consider the expertly rendered details and images, as well as the larger story and ideas that the piece represents..