There are so many thousands of images of the Madonna all over Venice, both inside churches and museums, and out on the streets in carvings and shrines. Here are a few of my favorites that can be found inside various churches.
This gorgeous and elegant 13th century relief is high up on a wall of the church of San Francesco della Vigna. A marble Veneto-Byzantine relief with traces of gold, it's one of many beautiful works of art in this church.
This next one can be found in the church of San Pantalon, in a niche on the wall of the Capella del Santo Chiodo. This chapel houses one of Venice's most-revered relics, a sacred nail used in the Crucifixion. Also 13th century, this statue of the Madonna and Child is alabaster with traces of decoration added a few centuries later. Wonderful crowns on them both! More about San Pantalon coming soon (it's a strange and fascinating church).
These next two can both be admired in San Giacomo dall'Orio.
The first one is also 13th century, an image in Greek marble of the Virgin Orante. It's tucked away in a niche in the wall behind a large wooden cabinet where the church puts literature for the parishioners; it's easy to miss. I love her and also the bricks surrounding her.
You can't miss the second one though as she's right beside the entrance to the chancel and always has fresh flowers in front of her. She's 14th century, known as "Our Lady of the Annunciation."
Comments (8)
Aren't they lovely. Especially the last one. She looks as though she has just got out of her chair to see Gabriel.
Posted by Andrew | June 1, 2011 11:51 AM
Posted on June 1, 2011 11:51
Andrew, thanks - you gave me a "a-ha" moment. I was looking at that chair and thinking that it was unusual, but now it makes sense!
Hope you're doing well and enjoying retirement. I bet you're having fun planning your upcoming trip!
Posted by Annie | June 1, 2011 12:36 PM
Posted on June 1, 2011 12:36
Hi Annie, these are all really cool. I love the crowns on the second photo and found the information about the chapel housing a sacred nail in the crucifixion. I'm looking forward to reading more about this church.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | June 1, 2011 10:45 PM
Posted on June 1, 2011 22:45
Just noticed the drop spindle in her left hand. She was interrupted doing her spinning!
Posted by Andrew | June 2, 2011 8:14 AM
Posted on June 2, 2011 08:14
I really like the last one too, there's just something about it. I'd forgotten about San Pantalon. I remember being there and finding it fascinating, will have to look back at my travel journal and refresh my memory!
Posted by Anne | June 2, 2011 9:08 PM
Posted on June 2, 2011 21:08
Thanks Kathy.
Andrew, another "a-ha" moment...a spindle!
Anne, I keep a travel journal too and refer back to it often!
Posted by Annie | June 3, 2011 7:59 AM
Posted on June 3, 2011 07:59
I think the first is my favourite! The sad expression on Mary's face suggests she knows what is to come.
Posted by sandrac | June 5, 2011 3:34 AM
Posted on June 5, 2011 03:34
Hi Sandra, I know that you will be in Venice very soon....can't wait to hear all about it!
Posted by Annie | June 8, 2011 1:32 PM
Posted on June 8, 2011 13:32