Michael Garland: Madonna & Child

Artist: Michael Garland
1952 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1995
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 14.5 by 17 inches
Medium: Acrylic on Cold Press Illustration Board

The portrait of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child is an enduring Christian image that has evolved throughout the centuries. Around 700 A.D., church fathers of many Christian sects described Mary as aloof and stoic. Paintings from that time portray her sternly calling attention to her son. This representation of the Madonna and Child was popular because religious leaders at the time hesitated to view Mary as an adoring mother, believing that this image might elevate her status to a god-like level. Artists of the Middle Ages eventually changed the accepted view of Mary's disposition. During this period, God was seen as sublime, majestic, terrible and judgmental, thus the Virgin Mother became a compassionate figure who could intercede on behalf of man. Mary thus became a symbol of unending devotion for all children of God. In Mexico, the Blessed Virgin is cast as a tall, thin woman with tanned skin. In China, artists gave Mary flowing robes and almond-shaped eyes, placing her in typical Chinese settings, a moon gate, a pagoda and a lantern festival. In Africa, the Virgin has been pictured as black with heavy coils of beads around her neck. Often she was shown as a simple yet content worker, carrying the infant Jesus on her back. There are many accounts of the Virgin Mary appearing to mankind in various places around the world including Guadalupe, Mexico; Lourdes, France; and Fatima, Portugal. Many believe that these unexplained appearances reveal the power and kindness of the Mother Mary.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 32¢ Madonna and Child by Giotto di Bondone stamp issued October 19, 1995.

Artwork Copyright © 1995 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB15222

US$ Price: $2,000.00

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