Madonna and Child

by Delaynna Trim, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Curator

Every winter for the last several years (since 2016), I have curated a Christmas or religiously themed exhibit to coordinate with the Holiday season. Madonna and Child: Medieval to Modern will open December 20. This exhibit explores the complex and changing imagery of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child from Medieval figures to modern prints.

Medieval Madonna and Child

In the Medieval era, there were lots of theological questions about how to portray Christ and Mary. Was it okay to portray Christ as a baby? This led to some of the Christ Child figures that look like miniature adults. Everyone did not suddenly forget how to draw a baby. They were struggling with the theological ideas behind if Christ could be portrayed as a child or not. 

Late Medieval and Renaissance portrayals of the Madonna and Child portray the Christ Child physically as a child and also behaving as a child. So, we see more images of Christ playing with Mary’s veil or touching her face – very realistic child-like activities.

Did you know that some wooden Medieval Madonna and Child sculptures like the ones in the exhibit, have a hole in the bottom? They were attached to a wooden pole and paraded through the town square during religious festivals.

I find it amazing that these wooden sculptures have remained intact all these years.  One famous wooden Madonna and Child, the Virgin of Essen, was completely covered in gold. Eventually, the wood rotted underneath the gold, leaving only the golden covering.

Madonna and Child by Fr. Gregory Gerrer

Mary is often shown wearing a red dress and a blue cloak. The blue represents the Heavens, and the red represents the blood of Christ as well as love and passion. But often the colors are reversed in Eastern orthodox icons.

That deep blue color used for Mary’s clothing is named Marian Blue for the association with Mary. Many artists used ground lapis lazuli to create this color. Later, azurite was used as lapis lazuli was very expensive.

The gold, disk-like halos reference the

Greek and Roman god Apollo. He was thought to bring the sun across the sky. Much of early Christian symbolism originates in Greek and Roman iconography.

Mary became very popular in the Medieval era because Christ was seen as a judge and ruler, so people were drawn to Mary’s humanity and kindness. 

Madonna and Child Art

For more Christmas-themed art projects, visit mgmoa.org/art-projects/

1. Draw a mother holding her child.

2. If you want to create it traditionally, use blue and red for her clothing. Or make it yours and use your favorite colors.