The Annunciation
Created by: Joos Van Cleve
ca. 1525
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Introduction to MaryMary is a complex figure to analyze historically because, though she is not the main focus in many parts of Scripture, her symbol and the ideals of purity, love, humility, and devotion that she represents have been venerated by groups of all kinds over time. The analysis of Mary by individuals with different backgrounds of knowledge and beliefs has resulted in many different interpretations throughout history. Mary has been interpreted as a handmaid of the Lord, a matriarch, an ideal disciple, the Mother of God, a virgin, and a prophet. The Virgin Mary has been understood through different means, such as Scripture and art, yet she is widely regarded as the ideal woman and mother, as well as an expression of human perfection. |
Different religious denominations put various levels of emphasis on ‘Mariology,’ and the application of Mary as a symbol and as doctrine in their faiths. The incorporation of Mary as an icon and symbol has expanded in Orthodox and Catholic faiths, while the Mariology in Protestantism has decreased over time. Disagreements over how Mary should be interpreted and used in Christian faith has led to ecumenical discussions, such as multiple meetings held by the U.S. Lutheran/Roman Theological Dialogue group, which took place between 1983 and1990, though definite conclusions were not reached. Mary is a unique figure in that she does not belong only to Christianity, but also has a role in ancient Judaism- given her geographical roots in Galilee- and Islam- as she is spoken of by the Prophet Muhammad. [1]
Much of the original depiction of Mary comes from the Scriptures, though different parts of Scripture diverge in the amount of information they disclose about Mary. Little attention is paid to Mary in either the New or Old Testament of the Christian Bible. In the New Testament, Jesus’ human family is discussed only to the extent that it influenced his character or teaching. Mary appears in the Gospel of Mark mostly in references to her as the mother of Jesus, and as a chief figure of the Holy Family, though no more is elaborated about her character. Despite this, however, Mary is only mentioned by name once. The depiction of Mary is nonetheless positive, presenting her as a concerned mother, worried about the rumors and what others think of Jesus, and a respected figure, as motherhood was viewed as honorable in the Jewish tradition. [2] Mary is portrayed most fully in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which include the infancy narrative of Jesus. This emphasis on Mary in the infancy narratives of the New Testament roots the image of Mary as a virgin in the Catholic tradition.
[1] George Tavard, The Thousand Faces of Mary (Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1996), 3-16.
[2]Tavard, The Thousand Faces of Mary, 4.
Images:
Van Cleve, Joos. The Annunciation. 1525. Metropolitan Museum of Art - Images for Academic Publishing, Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Constantinople, Hagia Sophia, Virgin and Child Enthroned between Emperors Justinian I, with the Model of Hagia Sophia [left], and Constantine I, with the Model of Byzantium. Late 10th C. Art, Archaeology and Architecture (Erich Lessing Culture and Fine Arts Archives), Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turke.