The Madonna of Humility c. 1423 - 1424

Masaccio painted this ‘Madonna of Humility’ with tempera on panel in the early 15th century. We see Mary seated, holding the Christ child. This iconography, with the divine mother and child, resonates deeply, echoing ancient archetypes of motherhood and nurturing. Note the dove hovering above, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, framed by angels holding back a curtain. The dove, an ancient emblem of peace and purity, appears across cultures, from Greek myths to Near Eastern traditions, signifying divine presence. The act of unveiling, or the drawing back of the curtain, speaks to a revelation, a moment of divine disclosure. This gesture appears in Roman imperial art to highlight the entrance of an Emperor. The Madonna's serene expression conveys a profound sense of inner peace, a psychological state that invites contemplation. This symbol, as a representation of both spiritual and earthly love, taps into our collective memory and subconscious, reminding us of the enduring human need for solace and connection. The cyclical nature of symbols ensures their recurrence, each time imbued with new layers of meaning, and stirring emotions.