Immaculate Conception n.d.

This red chalk drawing of the Immaculate Conception was made by Hyacinthe Rigaud, a French artist known for his portraits of royalty and the upper class. The artwork represents the Catholic belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. The visual codes are clear: Mary is surrounded by angels, standing on a crescent moon and a serpent, symbolizing her purity and triumph over evil. Painted in France, a predominantly Catholic country, the image reinforces religious doctrine and reflects the values of the French monarchy and aristocracy, who were major patrons of the arts. Rigaud’s artistic training within the French Royal Academy further solidified his commitment to upholding the aesthetic standards and social values of the time. Art historians examine artists' biographies, institutional records, and cultural contexts to provide insights into artworks. Understanding this drawing requires knowledge of religious history, art academies, and patronage systems. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.