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This painting represents 'Our Virgin of Guadalupe' [artist u/k] and is one of a number of so called Black Madonnas. Perhaps this is the first time you've encountered Mary shown in this way. Although she's far less common than her more familiar caucasian counterpart, it's not a new concept. Madonnas with differing skin hues stretch back at least to the Medieval period and there are many examples in Europe especially in the more Southern countries like Spain. Some were made of wood and the argument has been put forward that it's simply a case of the timber being darkened by candle soot and time. However, this hasn't happened to the Jesus carvings who share the same skin tone, so all the pointers are that it's a deliberate decision.
'The Black Virgin' as she's sometimes called has her own legion of fans, whilst others find her to be controversial. One theory is that she may link back to pre Christian worship and the veneration of female deities from our African ancestors. Interestingly many are sited near sacred features in the landscape like mountains or water. London's Lady of Willesden in St Mary's Church has a holy well and the name means 'spring at the foot of the hill'. In 1249 there were reports that there were two Virgin Marys, but the black one was worshipped for her miraculous powers to such a degree that pilgrims travelled from afar to visit her shrine. It was this one along with the statues from other major Marian shrines like Walsingham which were destroyed by the King's commissioners at the behest of Thomas Cromwell in 1538. Nowadays both the Catholic and the Anglican churches in the area have their own Black Madonna once again.
To my eyes perhaps we are simply overthinking the whole issue and it's just the case that people simply wanted to see somebody that looked like them who they could venerate in their places of worship? Whatever the reason it's a fascinating topic beyond any religious discussions. This particular picture is currently on display at the Wellcome Collection in their free 'Cult of Beauty' exhibition which was one of the events I went to with my friend on Saturday.
Have a great weekend....I am off to London once again!
Arilx
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I visited the famous La Moreneta in Montserrat, just outside Barcelona in the 1980s. I've seen similar black madonnas in the Catholic churches of Colonial-era Goa and Kerala. I don't think I've ever been inside a Catholic church in the UK. xxx
ReplyDeleteI suppose the only way you could count an RC church is if you've been inside a really old English church which would originally have been Catholic pre Reformation. Arilx
DeleteI understand there is a very famous one somewhere in Poland - with big processions and celebration each year. I shouldn't be surprised there some in England, but I certainly hadn't heard about them before your post.
ReplyDeleteNow you mention it I did read about one in Poland when I was having a quick look up about them. Arilx
DeleteMy own image of the Virgin is a silkscreen depicting a woman in the clouds, standing upon a quarter moon around which is wrapped a snake. Her Medieval dress is that particular shade of "Virgin Mary blue". Her face is that of Kwan Yin. As you say, people simply want to see somebody who looks like them.
ReplyDeleteI've now seen an oriental version too. Arilx
DeleteEnjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI did thanks Debbie. Arilx
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