The Immaculate Virgin with symbols of the Litany of Loreto

Oil on canvas

101 x 76 cm.

In an antique frame (slight imperfections) 117 x 90 cm.

This is a work of extraordinarily rich iconographic and theological content, conceived to merge the figure of the Immaculate Conception with the visual exegesis of the Litany of Loreto – that is, a series of poetic and allegorical images drawn from the Song of Songs and Marian hymns, used to describe the virtues and theological role of the Virgin Mary.

At the centre of the canvas stands the full-length figure of the Virgin Mary, crowned with stars, in a moment of prayer, enveloped in a dazzling mandorla of golden light, whilst at her feet lies a silvery crescent moon with its tips pointing upwards – an astrological symbol of purity, of the subjugation of earthly time, and of the Virgin’s triumph over sin and the corruption of the world.

In the upper corners, the Sun and the Moon are depicted to reaffirm her centrality in the Christian cosmos.

As mentioned, the distinctive feature of the painting lies in the perimeter frame with 22 illustrated panels, which transform the work into a veritable Marian theological treatise.

Analysing the panels clockwise, starting from the top left:

1. Ivory Tower (Turris Eburnea): A symbol of precious purity, innocence and inviolable chastity.

2. Gate of Heaven (Janua Coeli): A symbol of access to eternal salvation guaranteed by divine motherhood.

3. Stairway to Heaven (Scala Coeli): Representing the mystical stairway linking Earth to Paradise.

4. Morning Star (Stella Mattutina): A great, radiant star heralding the birth of the Sun of Righteousness (Christ).

5. Closed Door (Vision of Ezekiel): A reference to her unblemished virginity, through which only the Lord passes.

6. Well of Living Water (Puteus Aquarum Viventium): An inexhaustible source of grace and spiritual purity.

7. Sealed Fountain (Fons Signatus): An emblem of pure grace and Mary’s perpetual virginity.

8. Mirror of Perfection (Speculum Justitiae): It perfectly reflects the light and the will of God, without any stain of sin.

9. Enclosed Garden (Hortus Conclusus): The symbol par excellence of Mary’s perpetual virginity.

10. Olive Tree (Oliva speciosa): A symbol of peace and mercy.

11. Cypress of Mount Zion (Cipressus in Monte Sion): A symbol of incorruptibility, immortality and profound spiritual ascent.

12. Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Exaltata): An emblem of the Virgin’s spiritual loftiness, purity and royalty

13. Mystical Rose (Rosa mystica): Represents beauty, royalty, purity and mystical love, identifying Mary as the most perfect flower of spiritual creation.

14. Fire of the Burning Bush: The perpetual fire signifies a foreshadowing of Mary’s perpetual virginity.

15. Tree of Life (Lignum Vitae): A wooden cross from which flowers blossom and entwine, alluding to the victory over death.

16. Dragon of the Apocalypse (multi-headed monster): Represents the defeat of evil

17. White Lily (Lilium candidum): The ultimate symbol of Mary’s purity, virginity and innocence.

18. Red carnation: Symbolises the sacred and faithful union between God and humanity.

19. Plane tree (Platanus exaltata): Symbol of Mary’s protection and maternal love, from the verse ‘I have exalted myself like a plane tree by the water’.

20. Palm of Kadesh (Palma exaltata): Symbol of victory over sin, justice and royalty.

21. Tower of David (Turris Davidica): Symbolises Mary’s unshakeable spiritual strength against the temptations of evil.

22. Fortified City (Civitas Dei): the ‘City of God’ or the Heavenly Jerusalem, representing the Church and the womb that bore the Saviour.

Both in terms of its iconography and stylistic details, the painting belongs to the 17th-century Spanish school – the so-called Siglo de Oro – and therefore displays the characteristic features popularised by great masters such as Zurbarán and Murillo; through their intense and deeply spiritual works, they contributed to the extraordinary flourishing of this particular sacred subject, which was in fact one of the most important religious themes of the Spanish Baroque.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work comes complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.

Please contact us for any further information; we will be delighted to assist you. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

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