The Coronation of the Virgin with Angel Musicians and All Saints c. 1590

Master J.N.’s drawing captures the Virgin Mary’s coronation amidst a gathering of angel musicians and saints. The scene bursts with symbols—the Virgin, ascending to heavenly glory, is about to be crowned by God the Father, an image of divine approval and eternal sovereignty. This motif, laden with theological weight, resonates with echoes from antiquity. The act of crowning, a symbol of power and legitimacy, appears in ancient Roman triumphs, where emperors were crowned to signify their divine right to rule. Here, it is transmuted, imbued with Christian significance. The Virgin, in her ascent, channels the ancient goddess figures. One cannot help but recall the emotional power inherent in such images, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. The recurring symbols, the emotional charge, are not just artistic choices but echoes of a collective memory, resurfacing and transforming through time.