Madonna on the Crescent c. 1470

Martin Schongauer masterfully engraved this Madonna on the Crescent. Here, the Virgin Mary stands on a crescent moon, a symbol deeply rooted in ancient lunar goddesses, now repurposed to signify her purity and triumph over darkness. Angels crown her, emphasizing her role as Queen of Heaven, surrounded by a radiant halo, a solar symbol of divinity. The lunar crescent, once associated with pagan deities like Diana, undergoes a transformation, mirroring the way ancient symbols are adopted and adapted. In the East, similar lunar motifs appear in depictions of female deities, highlighting the cyclical nature of symbolism. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to evoke feelings of reverence and awe, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This motif, seen in various forms throughout history, is a testament to the enduring human quest for meaning.