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Books > Arts & Architecture > Art forms, treatments & subjects > Art treatments & subjects > General
The earliest depiction of the Madonna and Child is said to be found
in the Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome. This wall painting shows a
seated Madonna suckling her Child, who turns his head to focus on
the audience. The pictorial or sculptural representation of Madonna
and Child is one of, if not the most, interpreted subject in
Christian art; especially in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox
Christianity. Thousands of years later, the artistic likeness has
evolved into interpretations that remain traditional to the
Christian faith as well as depictions that push the boundaries of
both the visual and narrative meaning of Madonna and Child. Mother
Earth and her many children, the real relationship between mother
and son or parent and child and the more traditional depiction, all
permeate the artistic interpretations of today's artist.
Christians, Jews, Atheists and many more find reason and comfort in
depicting this most iconic of Christian art. To some it may seem
sacrilegious but many people can relate to the iconic imagery of
Madonna and Child, even in a secular way. In 1997 I created my own
photographic interpretation of Madonna and Child; in 2009 I saw an
interpretation by artist Travis Reichardt and knew I had to have it
to display next to my depiction. This got me thinking about how
interesting a Madonna and Child themed exhibition would be. A
yearlater, thirty-two artists with thirty-two interpretations,
Madonna and Child: Interpreted was born. The beauty of this
exhibition is that it represents a wide visual and emotional
spectrum of artistic representation and translation of this iconic
subject. William Zuback, Curator 2011
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