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Marian Art over the Ages

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Marian art carries hidden symbolisms that most people have no knowledge of. Fr José Silveira SJ, in his talk at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, Porvorim, elucidated the reasons for the changing artistic form of Mary through the ages, in keeping with the historical context and the societal attitudes towards women during various periods. While appreciating Marian art, we must bear in mind two facts about Mary: there are no physical relics of her present and Mary is considered the link between the divine and the human. The Roman Catholic perception of Mary has always been one of the spotless virgin; one whose image is not to be worshipped but venerated. Mary’s images seem to depict that intimate relationship with heaven, reflected onto earth, with that tenderness of a mother that appeals and draws people to her. The images, in fact, supply messages through symbolisms for those who have little or no education and are unable to read. ‘It is a book of communication for the unlettered,’ says