You weren't in the 17th-century artists' club until you took a crack at painting the Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception. There wasn't any universally accepted way to portray this abstract theme in the art world until the Spaniard, Francesco Pacheco (1564-1644), wrote down some ground rules on how artists should portray the Immaculate Conception — here are a few:
1. The sun surrounds a 12-year-old maiden
2. A crescent moon rests under her feet
3. Twelve stars surround her head
4. She wears a white tunic and blue mantle
Sound familiar? Yep, this description of the Virgin Mary comes mostly from the book of the Apocalypse:
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Revelation 12:1
Many artists followed the Pacheco guidelines in varying degrees. You'll notice that most are pretty good about painting in a moon, a radiating sun and a crown of twelve stars. The most widely used additions are the Virgin trampling Satan (represented as a dragon), and happy-little-floating-around cherubs decorating the space and holding flowers (this guy went all out).
By Anton Raphael Mengs
Jose Antolinez
Jose Antolinez
17th Century Anonymous
You explained well the rules of painting the Immaculate Conception but not the rules or guidelines for painting the Assumption of BVM.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Discover the Timeless Treasures of Rare Catholic Art
Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual depth of rare Catholic art with Restored Traditions, the premier source for digitally restored masterpieces. As an art director or creative director, you understand the power of visually compelling imagery to captivate and inspire your audience. Our extensive collection of royalty-free and copyright-free Catholic art offers you an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your projects with works of historical significance and profound beauty.
Since 2006, we have been dedicated to preserving and sharing the artistic legacy of the Catholic Church. Our team of expert digital restorers meticulously brings these rare pieces back to life, ensuring that every brush stroke and intricate detail is captured in high-resolution digital format. With over 30,000 satisfied customers worldwide, we have established ourselves as the trusted choice for those seeking authentic and impactful Catholic art.
One such masterpiece in our collection is the artwork depicting the life and legacy of St. Anthony of Padua. Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal, St. Anthony’s journey from an Augustinian monk to a revered Franciscan preacher is a testament to his unwavering faith and spiritual wisdom. By incorporating the artwork of St. Anthony and other rare Catholic pieces into your designs, you can create a unique and meaningful connection with your audience.
As an art director or creative director, you have the power to shape the visual narrative of our time. Let restoredtraditions.com be your partner in telling stories that resonate with the human spirit. Explore our extensive selection of rare Catholic art today and unlock a world of inspiration and historical significance for your projects.
Patrick Werick
Author