Madonna of the Throne c. 19th century

Editor: This is George Jakob Felsing’s "Madonna of the Throne" at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a serene, almost ethereal quality. What strikes you most about its imagery? Curator: I’m drawn to how the Madonna figure echoes across centuries of cultural memory. The child she holds is not just an infant, but a symbol laden with the weight of salvation narratives. Editor: So, you're seeing a connection to religious iconography? Curator: Absolutely. Note the book in her hand. Is it merely a prop, or does it signify the Word, knowledge, and perhaps even destiny? Consider also the angels at her feet – are they innocent cherubs or active participants in a divine drama? Editor: It’s amazing how much meaning can be packed into seemingly simple figures. Curator: Indeed. Felsing uses familiar symbols to tap into deeply ingrained cultural understandings. It’s a fascinating display of how images communicate across time.