"The Crowning of Mary", oil on copper, plate size apprx 14" x 11", unsigned. In the manner of Frans Flores, depicting Mary standing in an architectural element, being crowned with a wreath of roses by two Cherubs.
The crowning of Mary's head with a crown as iconographical motif (painting, sculpture) can be traced back to the middle of the 12th century (Reading Abbey, London, 1130/40; Quenington Church, Gloustershire, 1140/1150). In these English sculptures but also known in other countries Christ crowns his mother after her assumption into heaven. However, the beginning of the crowning of a Mary sculpture or image is much older, or more precisely we have at least one much older example, that of Pope Gregory III (731-741) who donated a golden diadem to crown a holy image located at St. Peter's, which represents not only Mary but also Christ and other saints. The wreath of flowers with which Mary is crowned in the month of May highlights a special connection with spring, new life and Mary's resplendent beauty. Already in Greek culture, May was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fecundity. In Roman culture, May was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of bloom, of blossoms. The Romans celebrated ludi florales (literally: floral games) at the end of April, asking the intercession of Flora for all that blooms.
1,000/2,000 Sold $1,437.50
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