Madonna and Child with Bishop, Saint, and Angels 15th-16th century

Editor: This is an intriguing, undated engraving of the Madonna and Child with Bishop, Saint, and Angels, by an anonymous artist, found at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a heavenly quality, full of symbols. What underlying meanings do you observe? Curator: Notice the dove at the top, representing the Holy Spirit, and God above, all framed by clouds. These aren't just aesthetic choices, they are signifiers within a visual language understood at the time. Consider the Bishop's staff and mitre; what do they tell us about power and authority? Editor: They seem to represent religious rank and divine approval. Curator: Precisely. The artist uses these symbols to reinforce a connection between the earthly and the divine, embedding cultural values within the image. Editor: I now see how the symbols create deeper meaning. Thanks!