Madonna Benois - Mug - Parish

The "Madonna Benois" is an early Leonardo packed with rich symbolism forshadowing the artist's brilliance to come. As a clear statement of Western Christianity, it is odd that it currently resides in Saint Petersburg, Russia; perhaps the deepest penetration of Eastern Orthodoxy. As to the symbolism, the Madonna is dressed in violet, which proclaims humility. The earthly sight lines form a triangle from the Madonna, to Christ, to the cruciform plant he contemplates. The invisible sight lines are also the transition to the spiritual as an almost saccarin statement of love. But the clear radical Leonardine spiritual blast (which iis how Leonardo sold his work) is accomplished as follows. He departs from the solid gold halos of the time moving further into the spiritual with clear halos. They, in turn, form a spiritual triangle with the window - mirroring the earthly. While the earthly light comes from the upper left, the spiritual light comes from the window. The latter is framed by the tablets of Moses, but there are no words. By virtue of its placement, it is the light of Saint John the Evangelist, implying the Word, and proclaiming that earthly love is accomplished only with the protection,compassion, and humility of Almighty God. There is nothing implied by Leonardo's final statement. It is linear; no longer triangulated. From God, through the Word, through five thousand years of history, through the dual natured love of Christ alone, there is Hope. That is the nature of humility. Please take a look at all our items! Buy for friends, family and others you love for many occasions! For Lent, purchase the full set of six. For Lent, purchase the full set of six Lenten mugs..