The Virgin and the Child

The Biblical Saviour is not a static, immaterial deity: Christ's mortal birth, unusual life and dramatic death make him an accessible subject for religious and secular artists alike. Whether they show the spirituality of God Incarnate or the earthly characteristics of a flesh-and-blood man, artistic depictions of Christ are the most controversial, moving or inspirational examples of religious art. This richly illustrated book explores the various ways that Christ is rendered in art, from Cimabue's Nativity scenes and Fra Angelico's paintings of the Crucifixion to the provocative portraits of Salvador Dali and Andres Serrano. The art world is filled with the presence of the Virgin Mary a fundamental symbol of motherhood, who has been radiating youthfulness, tenderness and compassion for two thousand years. Finding in her an inexhaustible source of inspiration, artists have consistently used the image of the Virgin Mary to reflect our own sufferings and joys. The author Kyra Belan leads us on a comprehensive tour analysing the profound meaning to be found in the images of the Virgin from personal interpretations to spiritual reflections on a universal level. These works of art present a fascinating visual commentary on the evolution of Western art as well as a striking record of the rise in status of women in society. With more than 200 illustrations, two thousand years of human history are expressed in a single image; that of the Blessed Virgin, Christ's mother."