The Interpretation of Madonna in Christianity
The picture of Madonna when interpreted in Christianity depicts the Virgin Mary which according to the Christians represents the mother of Jesus Christ. To the Christians therefore, it represents a doctrinal significance where the young child he is holding represents Jesus Christ the son of God as believed by Christians and who was born of the Virgin Mary (Fahy, 1969). The image of a virgin has several theological importances. The spread of her mantle signifies how the Madonna who is seen as a figure of mercy spreads her mercy protective over the groups of faithful.
The Significance of Mary's Gaze and Clothing
The mantle typically covers her head and is holding the Child who represents Jesus Christ (Fischer at al., 2016). Her gaze shows a polite figure who seems devoted to the child and stands for the devotion she has to Christians when she is always dedicated to their prayers. According to the Catholic faith, Mary is always in constant prayer for all the faithful and never sleeps a wink but always praying. Therefore, this shows her unending commitment to the Christians urging them to always pray too and to keep knowing that she is always standing in the gap before God for them.
The Symbolism of Red and Green in Mary's Clothing
In the picture, Mary wears inner red clothing (see Fig 1). This can in the Christian faith be said to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross for their salvation. The red color therefore serves to remain as a reminder to the Christians to remember the cost of their salvation and therefore remain loyal to God and committed. Again, the color red can be taken to represent the unwavering commitment of the Christians to their belief in Christ at all times. The inside part of her cloth is painted green which matches well with the color blue of the outside and the blue line on the background of the picture.
The Aesthetics and Design of the Painting
The painting has clear outlines that make it very easy to see the distinctions between them and make it easy to identify the different items in the painting. As such, the image is appealing to the eye with its evidence of expertise in the choice of colors and their use accordingly. By presenting a darker background while maintaining a bright central image, enables the viewer to easily notice the woman at the center and the child she is holding. The space of the image has been planned well with the main painting occupying the largest part of the whole image making it stand out conspicuously. The author also seems to have made a very wise choice of the color of the hair for both Madonna and the child which makes them clearly visible bright light blue background. Additionally, the head of Madonna is covered with a transparent blue veil. This shows that she was holy and such always surrounded by the Holy Spirit. She is, therefore, depicted as holy and clean before God and as a symbol of strong prayer agent by the Christian faithful.
The Symbolism of the Blue Color
Further, the outside cover of the image is colored blue which represents purity. By using blue color on the outside, Bartolomeo showed the existing importance of purity and cleanliness in the Christian faithful. This purity is well represented by the Virgin Mary who according to the Catholic believers remained virgin throughout her youth so that an Angel was sent by God to make her pregnant. She was chosen by many women and serves to show the importance of remaining pure and clean which comes with favors from God. The blue cloth is long and wide covering the whole body and touching the ground. This shows that the level of our purity in the church should not be limited only to some cases and activities but needs to apply to all the things that we do.
The Abundance of Mercy and the Source of Strength
Moreover, the extension of the cloth to cover the whole of Madonna can be interpreted by the Christians to show the abundance of the mercy Mary has on the faithful. Madonna is seen safely holding the child in her hands which shows her care to every one of the faithful as their spiritual mother. She is depicted not only as a mother to all the Christians but also as their source of strength to stand before God and plead in prayer. By holding a young child can be interpreted as a source of encouragement to all the Christians regardless of their inexperience in the faith or prayer and that she stands with them all.
The Symbolism of the Surrounding Elements
The background on the sides of the photos shows strong pillars of stones that represent the strong foundation the Christian faithful are standing upon in God (Fischer at al., 2016). Blue streams can also be seen which show the plenty that is found in God's truth. Also, the blue water represents the purity that is required to be observed by the Christians. Images of healthy green plants can also be seen which can be interpreted to mean the health and safety that come to the Christian faith when they keep their trust and refuge in God. Faithfulness is made stronger by remaining true in faith and by maintaining a constant habit of prayer. A beautiful environment at the surrounding around the image can be taken to stand for the plenty that is found in God's promises. It is an encouragement to Christians to tell that if they remain founded in Christ and God, they shall prosper in their endeavors.
The Use of Colors and Organization of Features
By the use of lighter colors around the main image of Madonna holding a child, like a sky that is painted light blue and blue colors provide a clear view that leaves the main image outstanding at the center (see Fig 1 below). It makes it easy to see and strike its importance as well provoking its meaning. The black lower background has made the blue painting of Madonna clothes to well visible. The child is painted pink color that serves well to represent the human skin of a white person. The rocks have been painted brown depicting a typical color of rocks that matches well with the soil on the ground. The mage is well outlined with the features presented well organized which is a semblance of the heavenly events as can be attested by the Christian faithful.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be said that Bartolomeo made an outstanding drawing of its time. Bartolomeo has depicted wise choice of color and plans to present a painting that has stood out since its painting 1515. The image was very important at its time and was useful in helping the Catholics connect more strongly with God and fellow believers. The image served well to pass the message of unity and commitment to prayer among the Christian faithful.
References
Fahy, E. (1969). The earliest works of Fra Bartolommeo. The Art Bulletin, 51(2), 142-154.
Fischer, C., Wivel, M., & Billinge, R. (2016). Fra Bartolommeo’s Virgin adoring the Child with Saint Joseph: New Evidence on its Creation and Origins. National Gallery, London. Technical Bulletin, 37, 4-20.
Figure 1 : Madonna and the Child by Fra Bartolomeo
