The Virgin Mary is one of the most remarkable sources of inspiration for art, from centuries ago to the present day.
Today, on the day of the feast of the Virgin of Miracles of Caacupé, patron saint of Paraguay, and universal feast of the Immaculate Conception, the metal artist Diego Céspedes, and the teacher in Art History Nelly Aquino, point out the relevance of the figure of this simple woman as motivation in art.
“Important artists have made works of great beauty and quality, as for example, in the Renaissance, Rafael Sanzio, who represents the Virgin with extraordinary beauty; Murillo, also with several works of great relevance ”, Aquino explains.
The teacher and specialist in mosaics indicates that various techniques are used in Marian works, from mural painting, in temples, through oil, sculptures, and then to other materials, such as glass, wood, metal, etc.
On the other hand, it indicates that María is represented in her different roles, but, above all, as a company for simple people.
“She was always seen as a mother and companion of the people, and this is observed in the scenes that these artists have recreated; the Annunciation, in the company of saints, as in the case of Santo Domingo to whom he gives the rosary; next to the cross or also with a crown ”, Aquino adds.
SATISFACTION. “Personally, making works of art related to the Virgin Mary has been a great satisfaction. I am not dedicated to religious works, I work on various projects, but my experiences with Marian works have always been very special; it is as if there is something providential when I have to do such a job. I feel like a predilection, a privilege ”, comments the sculptor Diego Céspedes, who works mainly with metal.
“Technically there are no problems, but sometimes inconveniences arise. In general, I remain calm, because I believe that good is always stronger, that light is stronger than darkness, and victory will always come. It is great to be able to represent a woman who is an example of unconditional love ”, he points out.
Céspedes considers that each Marian work is a contribution to culture, as it exposes the desire and love of many simple people. “In addition, making art can leave a legacy or a contribution, a mark on life. Each work is like an eternal word that anxiously awaits anyone who wants to listen ”, he specifies.
–
Mosaic of the Virgin of Caacupé in the Vatican
In 2017 the mosaic of the Virgin of Caacupé was inaugurated in the Vatican Gardens. The work was made by the Veronese mosaicist Albano Poli and his atelier Arte Poli. “The image is very dear and revered. It is located in the Bastion of Marian Devotions in the Vatican Gardens, near where Pope Pius XII saw the sun dance before the dogma of the Assumption and where Popes Benedict XVI and Francis pray the rosary daily ”, explains the former ambassador, Esteban Kriskovich, who promoted the installation of this work.
Feedback
“It is one of the oldest”
“The representation of the Virgin Mary, through artistic expressions, is one of the oldest in this field, as it appears among the first Paleo-Christian manifestations. Already in the catacombs there are images of this woman. Then throughout history it was always represented as the company of the Christian people, of the people. For this reason, each civilization, each culture, has dedications ”. Lic. Nelly Aquino, art teacher.
“Contributes to the expression of the people”
“I believe that Marian artistic creations represent a contribution to culture, since they are the expression of a people and the expression of the unconditional love of a Mother; I mean, something very big. This type of works thus contribute to strengthening a cultural legacy, since they represent an era, faith, traditions. How can there be something wrong with an image that shows the unconditional love of a mother? Diego Céspedes, sculptor
.
