Virgin and Child with Two Angels 1465 - 1475

Francesco Botticini painted ‘Virgin and Child with Two Angels’ to explore enduring symbols of faith and divinity. Here, Mary, the mother of Christ, is shown presenting her infant son, flanked by angels in an outdoor loggia. The rose, seen to the left, symbolizes Mary’s love, her role as Queen of Heaven, and the mysteries of faith. The image of the Virgin Mary as a maternal figure, holding her child, has ancient roots. We see echoes of Isis holding Horus in ancient Egyptian art; this archetype transcends cultures, embodying the universal human experience of motherhood and protection. Such symbolism taps into our collective memory, evoking deep-seated emotions associated with nurturing and the sacred. The reappearance of classical architectural features emphasizes a conscious revival of classical forms. This symbolic renaissance sought to bridge the gap between the classical past and the Christian present, emphasizing a continuum of cultural and spiritual values. This cyclical progression highlights how symbols resurface and take on new meanings across time, perpetually engaging viewers in dialogue.