Spanish or Italian school; 17th century.
"Coronation of the Virgin"
Oil on canvas. Relined
It presents restorations.
Measurements: 40,5 x 55,5 cm.
This work follows a classic composition in this type of representations, with the image divided in an earthly and a heavenly plane. With the three main figures of the same size, located in the upper area, and following a triangular structure. The Virgin in the centre is being crowned, with Jesus the Son and God the Father holding the crown, flanking the Virgin, and giving her the role of mother of Christianity. Mary is positioned genuflecting, with her face turned slightly towards the ground and her eyelids lowered in a reflective attitude. It is very interesting that the work does not show the presence of the dove, a representation of the Holy Spirit, a fundamental iconographic element in these representations. The scene is completed by a group of musical angels and seraphim, who are arranged at the sides of the coronation, in the form of a frieze, which indicates that it would be a procession, celebrating the glory of the Virgin. In the lower area, the earthly part, a landscape, which opens out in the centre onto a lake, is the main feature of the image. Although there is no human presence, small angels can be seen interacting with each other and picking white flowers, typical of the symbolism of the Virgin.
The theme of the coronation of the Virgin was recounted in the 2nd century by Saint Meliton, Bishop of Sardis, and later disseminated by Gregory of Tours and Saint James of Voragine, who recorded it in his famous legend Aurea. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin is also a subject of devotion throughout Christianity. Beyond art, the Coronation is a central motif in Marian Processions all over the world.