Santa Maria Montis de Vicenza 17 - 18

This small devotional print, Santa Maria Montis de Vicenza, was made by an anonymous artist. It is difficult to know the specific historical moment this print emerged from, but, broadly speaking, it speaks to the rise in Marian devotion across the early modern period. The print’s intimate scale suggests it was designed for personal use, perhaps carried as a token of faith or displayed in a private space. The image presents the Virgin Mary as a regal figure, crowned and surrounded by cherubic figures, yet she’s also strangely flattened. This challenges conventional representations of religious icons and invites a more personal, emotional connection. The anonymity of the artist adds another layer to our understanding. Perhaps they were a layperson, for whom the act of creation was itself an act of devotion. Or they could have been part of a larger, more public workshop. Regardless, this print offers a glimpse into the everyday spiritual lives of those who sought solace and inspiration in the image of the Virgin Mary.