Maria met kind gezeten op een troon omringd door musicerende engelen 1503

Jan Gossart created this drawing of the Virgin and Child Enthroned, Surrounded by Music-Making Angels, sometime between 1500 and 1533. Note the dominant visual symbols in this sketch: Mary as queen of heaven sits on an elaborate throne, attended by angels. This is a visual representation of divine authority and heavenly grace. The Madonna Enthroned has roots in ancient Roman imperial imagery, where emperors were depicted on thrones as rulers of the earthly realm. This symbol of power was transmuted into religious art to represent Mary's spiritual authority. We can see something similar echoed in the Byzantine era with the Theotokos, where Mary is depicted as the Mother of God, seated on a throne, and holding the Christ Child. Over time, the Madonna Enthroned evolved, reflecting shifts in theological thought. Observe the angels, their presence harkening back to ancient winged deities, messengers between the divine and mortal realms. Their constant presence is an expression of humanity's deep-seated desire to connect with the spiritual world, reflecting our collective unconscious. The enduring appeal of these figures lies in their capacity to evoke powerful emotions and reinforce our subconscious connection with our ancestors.