Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints c. 1504

Raphael painted this ‘Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints,’ where the Virgin Mary sits regally, the infant Christ on her lap. Enthroned, the Madonna embodies divine authority, a motif tracing back to ancient goddesses. Above, God holds an orb, a symbol of cosmic dominion, echoing the scepter of Jupiter. Consider how these symbols traverse history, from pagan rulers to Christian iconography, each era reinterpreting power and divinity. The orb, for instance, reappears in Renaissance portraits, now signifying earthly sovereignty. It's not merely tradition but a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The viewer is subconsciously reminded of the importance of the lineage of symbols in this moment. We see here the cyclical progression of symbols: how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.