Madonna of the oranges 1997

Ismail Shammout painted this 'Madonna of the oranges', with oil on canvas. It presents us with a modern interpretation of the Madonna and Child in a Palestinian orange grove. Here, the Madonna figure, draped in a white shawl, evokes centuries of religious art. Yet, she stands amidst the reality of Palestinian life, surrounded by orange trees, a symbol deeply rooted in the region's history. These oranges are not merely fruit; they represent the land, livelihood, and identity of a people. Consider how this motif of the Madonna, a figure of maternal love, resonates across cultures and epochs. From ancient fertility goddesses to Renaissance Madonnas, this archetype embodies the universal human longing for nurture and protection. The image taps into our collective memory, stirring deep, subconscious emotions. It's a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of meaning as they traverse time and space.